In middleweight action, former PRIDE middleweight champion Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (32-10-1, 1-3 UFC) will battle The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 champion Michael Bisping (18-2, 8-2 UFC) in a match-up that will surely have ramifications for both Silva and Bisping in determining the futures of both their careers. Silva is currently on a downturn in his career as he’s lost five out of his last six with his most recent coming by way of unanimous decision against Rich Franklin at UFC 99. Bisping is 1-1 in his last two fights with a devastating knockout loss to Dan Henderson, but an impressive performance and finish of Denis Kang at UFC 105.
In any match-up that features Wanderlei Silva, it’s fairly obvious as to which Wanderlei will show up to the cage. Since his debut in the UFC, he’s been a much more patient fighter than the days of his dominance in PRIDE. He hasn’t been overly aggressive or intimidating, but rather patient and trying to land strikes in a technical fashion. Unfortunately, this style hasn’t translated to victories as he’s normally at a reach disadvantage against his opposition, and he takes quite a bit of damage during exchanges.
Some fans would say that all the damage over the course of his career has begun to catch up with him, and we could have a lengthy discussion about how his style is counterproductive to prolonging one’s career. But then again, many fans thought Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was in the same boat until he came back rejuvenated against Randy Couture.
For this fight, Wanderlei is dropping down to 185 pounds, and he’s stated in numerous interviews leading up to this fight that he’s much faster than he was at light heavyweight. Furthermore, his camp and Wanderlei himself have indicated that the patient form of fighting he’s been using in the Octagon is out the door. A much more aggressive, in-your-face, intimidating Wanderlei Silva will return on Saturday night, and for PRIDE fans — that’s music to our ears.
Unfortunately, Michael Bisping won’t be an easy task. While Bisping’s chin will be a question as Dan Henderson knocked Bisping out so badly that fans characterized it as the a revolutionary war victory, Bisping’s skill-set has the tools to win. He’s an always-improving technical boxer who can move quickly in the pocket. His strategy in the Henderson fight was obviously flawed as he moved into Henderson’s power, but that was likely a mental issue rather than a training issue.
Bisping’s boxing can keep Wanderlei at range, and his wrestling skills coupled with some powerful ground and pound could be Wanderlei’s undoing. I also believe Wanderlei’s size will be a disadvantage against the 6’2″ Bisping. Wading through jabs and dealing with Bisping’s length will be tasks he’ll need to overcome, and he’ll truly need to channel that PRIDE energy to win on Saturday.
As a tremendous fan of PRIDE, Wanderlei Silva was one of the pioneers of getting me into this sport. His menacing power and aggressive style in PRIDE sucked so many fans into this sport in the early days, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think Wanderlei could win. Another loss will certainly raise questions as to whether Wanderlei is done in this sport, but a loss for Bisping will hinder his efforts at a title run in a big way. Both men have a lot to prove.
It relies heavily on whether or not we’ll see the return of the PRIDE-era Wanderlei Silva. In my biased judgment, I’ll take Wanderlei Silva via TKO in this match-up. Bisping is a solid bettor’s pick, and I’ll more than likely go with him in the pocketbook battle. But my pride still lingers with the old guard of PRIDE. War Wanderlei Silva!