Michael Bisping: I’m Going To Knock Silva Into Retirement

No. 7-ranked middleweight veteran Michael “The Count” Bisping has finally gotten the fight he’s waited so long for, as he’s set to take on former 185-pound kingpin Anderson “The Spider” Silva in the main event of February 27’s UFC Fight Night 83 from London.

Although he probably wishes the belt was on the line, Bisping will still be going up against one of the best of all-time, and he appears to be confident in doing so.

During his near seven year reign as middleweight champion, “The Spider” was notorious for getting into the heads of his opponents with his aura of invincibility and his constant taunting inside of the cage.

Bisping, however, claims to have no fear of Silva, and plans to knock the 40-year-old Brazilian legend into the promise land:

“I’m going to utilize a lot of movement, fight my fight and take it to him. A lot of people when they fought Anderson, they were scared of him, beaten mentally before the fight even started. And you can see that in their performances. In the Diaz fight, Diaz wasn’t scared of him at all, and you can see it threw Anderson off. It certainly did affect him. You will see the same in this. I’m going to give him the respect he deserves, but I am not going to be shy, I’m not going to cower away from this guy. I am signing on this contract to fight this guy, beat him, knock him out and to end his career. So, I am going to give him zero respect when the cage door shuts. So, yeah, I am going to fight my fight.” Bisping said at yesterday’s media conference call.

The polarizing Brit, known for his slick boxing, endless cardio, and excellent foot work, has looked impressive as of late, winning his last two bouts.

Silva despite going just 0-2-1 in his last three fights has actually opened up as the betting favorite, however.

Who are you picking to win, and will this be Silva’s last Octagon appearance?