Anderson Silva was the longtime champion at 185 pounds, and Michael Bisping was a longtime top contender. But the fight just never came to fruition.
Now, in 2016, we are merely days away from finally getting to witness these two clash inside the cage. It does not have the hype it would have received in the days of yore, and it is relegated to UFC Fight Pass, but it is still a meaningful fight at middleweight.
Silva makes his first return since his yearlong suspension. A big win will help to repair his legacy. As for Bisping, the Brit has never gotten the privilege of challenging for UFC gold. Defeating one of the greatest of all time may elevate him into prime position to finally have a shot at the ultimate prize.
The two Top 10 contenders can enter the discussion for a title shot with an impressive victory in London. Which begs the question—who has the edge on Saturday?