The man many consider the greatest mixed martial artist of all time will return to the octagon this Saturday.
Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva, having served his suspension for a positive PEDs test will meet longtime contender Michael Bisping in a matchup that has eluded fans for years.
Bet on UFC Fight Night 84 odds at BookMaker.eu
Anderson Silva -320
Michael Bisping +250
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -130, under +110
Please note, the odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
ODDS ANALYSIS
There hasn’t been much movement since we reported the odds a few weeks ago. Silva has moved five points from -325 to -320, while Bisping has gone from +255 to +250. I’d expect this trend to continue, as there are a ton of questions surrounding Silva’s return. If you were going to bet Bisping, now’s the time to pull the trigger.
THE STAKES
Silva is winless in his past three fights, with brutal losses at the hands of Chris Weidman and a victory against Nick Diaz overturned by a positive test for roids. That test is particularly damning, casting a shadow of doubt over his extraordinary legacy. Beating Bisping won’t salvage his reputation, but winning help put the debacle in the rearview mirror.
For Bisping, beating Silva would be one of the pinnacles of an illustrious career. While the Brit has maintained an elite standing at 185 for nearly 10 years now, he’s never been good enough to earn a title challenge. I’m sure beating the division’s greatest champion would ease the disappointment of being a perennial bridesmaid.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
At age 40, Silva’s best years are behind him. While his precision and pinpoint accuracy are still there, the athleticism and strength are not. He was powerless to stop the takedowns of Chris Weidman, and was overconfident in his chin against him as well. Against Nick Diaz, Silva was much more cautious and could not find ways to damage the Stockton native.
Still, the Brazilian is not done. He is still a superb counterstriker, and is devastatingly effective against aggressive opponents. His otherworldly hand and foot speed appear intact, and Silva remains one of the most creative strikers on the planet.
Bisping’s fighting style has always been about volume and pace. Because he lacks power in his fists, his goal is to outwork the competition. “The Count” possesses outstanding footwork and takes slick angles to stick-and-move. And it’s not like he’s pillow-fisted either - the damage he dishes out can accumulate quickly.
What’s more, Bisping has become a solid wrestler over the years. He’s more apt to change levels mid-combination, and doesn’t hesitate to lock up a clinch against sub-par grapplers. Nobody’s mistaking him for Daniel Cormier, but Bisping’s wrestling is a legitimate weapon.
THE SMART PLAYS
If this was six or seven years ago, Bisping would be dead in the water. But that was then, and this is now. After two losses, major surgery and a drug suspension, Silva does not have the aura of invincibility anymore. Meanwhile, Michael Bisping has fought at the same high level for years, with his only losses coming against the division’s elite.
At +250, I like Bisping’s value. Because he’s not flashy, he’s never been a sexy bet, but he’s a guy that gets it done. I also like the over on 2.5 rounds at -130. I think both men will take their time getting in a five-round main event, and Bisping is smart enough not to rush a counterstriker like Silva.
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start wagering now. With our live betting options, you can also wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. UFC Fight Night 84 takes place on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the O2 Arena in London, England. The entire fight card will stream on UFC Fight Pass starting 12:45 p.m. ET.
