In the wake of Michael Bisping’s devastating knockout loss to Dan Henderson, which marked his first career loss by stoppage, many assumed the third “Ultimate Fighter” winner would next face a lower-ranked fighter to rebuild his confidence. That assumption appears incorrect.
MMAJunkie says that UFC is eyeing a Michael Bisping vs. Wanderlei Silva bout for UFC 105 in November. The fight, Silva’s first in the UFC’s modern Middleweight division, would headline the event, which emanates from Manchester, England and then airs on the United States’ Spike TV via tape delay.
Like Bisping, Silva is also coming off a loss–a decision defeat to Rich Franklin in a UFC 99 bout that most within the industry view as one of the promotion’s best fights this year. Like Bisping, Silva also knows what it feels like to get knocked out by Dan Henderson–he was dropped by the American fighter’s left hand in an epic battle at PRIDE 33 in 2007.
Unlike Bisping, Silva’s recent loss to Rich Franklin was not a departure from winning ways. Since returning to the UFC, Silva is just 1-3 in the Octagon, and he is 1-5 in his last six overall fights.
Both fighters stand to make a statement with victory. Bisping would prove that he does, in fact, belong at the top of the Middleweight game despite the unfortunate Henderson setback. Silva would establish himself as a legitimate contender–and possible future opponent for Anderson Silva–in the new, lower weight class.
British fighters Dan Hardy, James Wilks and Ross Pearson are also expected to compete on the show’s main card.