UFC 110: Wanderlei Silva Favored Over Michael Bisping

Sports News - February 10, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

UFC 110 from Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, will anchor an horde of talent on the fight-card. The match up between Wanderlei Silva and Michael Bisping is headlining as the co-main event alongside the bout between Minotauro Nogueira and Cain Velasquez. This explosive middleweight match up between Silva and Bisping will match two great mixed martial arts fighters of today. Silva is one of the legends around the UFC, while Bisping is of the younger generation of fighters. Both will look to assert themselves among the elite at the 185 lbs level.

Bisping hails from Manchester, England, and sports a career MMA record of 19-2. He won his last fight when he knocked out Denis King in the second round at UFC 105. Prior to that however, Bisping suffered a loss to Dan Henderson, when he was knocked out in the second round. Bisping has fought well, winning four of his last five fights. Only one of his previous five matches have gone to the third round.

Bisping has many strengths and is a well rounded fighter. He is very good at recognizing his opponents strengths and adapting to a fighting style that will be successful. His fitness and stamina have also been keys to the fighters' wins. Bisping knows what is ahead of him in his match up with Silva, and is confident in his abilities to take down the legend.

"I believe it’s a very winnable fight for me," Bisping remarked in a pre-fight interview. "I know Wanderlei’s a legend and has been around a long time, but I truly believe styles make fights and that I’ve got the perfect style to beat him. Obviously I’m going to have to be wary of his aggressive style and his punch power, but I’m very confident of going to Australia and beating Wanderlei. He’s experienced and possesses heavy hands but, other than, I feel I’m way better than him. I know I have the ability to beat him – it’s now just about executing my game plan on the night."

On the other side of the ring, the 33-year-old Silva boasts a record of 32-10-1 for his storied MMA career. He is from Curitiba, Parana, Brazil but currently resides in Las Vegas. Silva's powerful striking style and perfect technique has made him one of the most successful fighters in history. His experience in the ring is second to none, and could present him with an advantage in the fight with Bisping. He is an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Silva has suffered two consecutive losses in the UFC however. In his last outing at UFC 99 in June, the fight went the distance, but was called in favor of Rich Franklin by unanimous decision. Prior to that, he suffered a devastating first-round knockout to Quinton Jackson. Silva will look to rebound against Bispang in Australia.

Oddsmakers believe that the experience and fighting style of Silva gives him the edge in this fight. He has been installed as a -155 favorite to defeat Bisping according to the UFC Betting Lines. Bisping has been established at +125 in the underdog role, according to Bodog Sportsbook.

Coverage of UFC 110 from Australia, can be seen on February 20th, and will be broadcast on pay-per-view. Contact your local cable company for further details.