• UFC 126

Bisping wants the 'honour' of fighting Anderson Silva

ESPN staff
January 18, 2011
Michael Bisping has already dropped a narrow decision to Wanderlei Silva. Now he wants Anderson © Getty Images
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Michael Bisping has vowed to earn his shot at Anderson Silva after the Brazilian revealed he would like to defend his title against the Briton on UK soil.

Silva is gearing up for what is expected to be an explosive UFC middleweight championship battle against Vitor Belfort at UFC 126. Belfort carries gunpowder hands, but Silva's Muay Thai technique is unrivalled.

Nobody has managed to beat Silva in 12 previous UFC bouts, and he is favourite to add to that tally on February 5. His next title defence is supposed to come against Yushin Okami, who beat Nate Marquardt to become No. 1 contender, although that bout is not set in stone.

Silva recently told ESPN that he has respect for Bisping's talent, describing him as "very impressive". Bisping has his own bout to settle, against Jorge Rivera at UFC 127, but Silva admits he would relish the chance to take on the Briton in his own backyard.

In response, Bisping is maintaining a focused attitude, acknowledging the fact that only he can set up what would be a dream showdown for British MMA.

"About Anderson's comments," Bisping said on his personal Twitter account. "It's nice to hear nice things from the best in the world, and hopefully soon I will earn the honour of fighting him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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