UFC 110 Preview: Michael Bisping vs. Wanderlei Silva

Michael "The Count" Bisping (18-2, 8-2* UFC) vs. Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva (32-10, 2-5 UFC, 1-3 UFC current run)

The Story So Far: Odds are that if you are a reader of this site (not sight) you know both these fighters very well.  Bisping was the poster boy for the UFC's expansion across the pond on the pond (seriously, the greatest nickname for a country) thanks to his two stints on The Ultimate Fighter; one as a fighter and one as a coach.  In season 3 Bisping was displayed as a talented fighter, but kind of a dick.  Bisping was given an opportunity to redeem himself as a coach, but once again he was displayed as a dick.  Whether it is editing or simply a representation of his personality, "The Count" is not the most well liked fighter on this side of the Atlantic.  However, if we are able to look past his personality, he is a talented fighter.  Looking at his record (counting Hamill fight as a W) his only two losses in his career are to Rashad Evans (former UFC Champ and current #3 Light Heavyweight) and Dan Henderson (former PRIDE champ and current #3 Middleweight).  Combine that with 8 wins in the UFC and you have pretty solid resume.  Obviously what is lacking is the signature victory over a top opponent as Bisping was cakewalked to help promote the UFC in the United Kingdom.  Many would say Wanderlei is past his prime, but it a win in Australia would put a marquee name on Bisping's victory list.

Wanderlei Silva made his mark on the MMA community during the Pride dominance.  He is a former Pride Middleweight champion who has beaten fighters such as Rampage Jackson, Dan Henderson, Ricardo Arona, and more.  However, his trip to the UFC following the downfall of Pride has not been met with success.  He has gone 1-3 and is actually 1-5 in his last six fights with his sole win in the UFC against Keith Jardine.  Despite all this, Silva is still the fan favorite and has already shown his displeasure with Bisping.  For many fans in the U.S. there is a clear heel and face for UFC 110's showdown.  The big question regarding Wanderlei is if his struggles are due to a huge drop-off in skill or simply a case of him facing the top of the division.

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Conventional Wisdom:

Wanderlei is the small favorite going into this fight, but strong arguments could be made for both fighters.  Common sense states that the fighter who can dictate the pace and location of the fight will come out on top.  Bisping is a more methodical fighter who would do best to obtain top position on the mat.  If Denis Kang's jiu-jitsu was not enough to stifle Bisping I would be surprised if Wanderlei had enough.  However, if Silva can keep a high pace and press the issue he might have the ability work "The Count" over.  Bisping's footwork and wrestling will be the key to this fight.  Bisping's footwork against Dan Henderson is probably the reason Silva is the small favorite.

WKR Analysis:

I would love to say Silva is going to take this fight, but I do not see it happening.  In addition to the above information, Bisping has a major advantage if he can push the fight into the second or third round and I do not think Silva will finish early.  His loss to Chuck looks even worse now and he is not the same fighter he once was.  The first thing to go with age is quickness and speed, which is a major factor for brawlers like Silva.  We have seen it with Chuck and we are seeing it with Wanderlei.  His flurries are easier to avoid and counter and I expect Bisping to use his jab to keep the distance.  Eventually Bisping will begin securing takedowns and the fight will end with Bisping getting another UFC marketing push.

Fun Fact:

Michael Bisping was previously voted the Coolest Man in the U.K. by Zoo magazine.

                -Yes Wikipedia