The storyline was almost cliché: A returning legend, coming off a horrific injury and a failed drug test, sees his first fight in his 40s against a brash challenger who has had true glory elude him throughout his career. Anderson Silva versus Michael Bisping was always a good fight to make, but at UFC Fight 84, it was perfect matchmaking.
Awkward respect began the fight.
At the end of the day it's all about respect. #UFCLondon https://t.co/X4Wsg0UX5M
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2016
And as the fight went on, Bisping refused to get caught up in Silva’s usual head games.
Yea, we'll take more of this please!!!!! #UFCLondon https://t.co/Z4Z36HrIAn
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2016
Silva kept on playing, and kept getting hit.
OHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! #UFCLondon @Bisping has Come. To. Fight! https://t.co/4X6ojAa0Ex
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2016
And despite Bisping getting destroyed at the end of the third with a flying knee, then picked apart in the fourth and fifth – Bisping won via a unanimous decision.
Michael Bisping def. Anderson Silva via weird unanimous decision
Main Card:
Gegard Mousasi def. Thales Leites via unanimous decision. It was a flawless performance. Mousasi shut down Leites’ takedowns in the first, then picked him apart as the minutes rolled on.
Oh man @Mousasi_MMA starting to pick Leites apart in the 2nd round. #UFCLondon https://t.co/DrGPFTz2oR
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2016
Tom Breese def. Keita Nakamura vis unanimous decision.
Huge elbows from @BreeseMMA, but Nakamura turns it into an Omoplata attempt!! Intense! #UFCLondon https://t.co/PH0Sgj4k18
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2016
Before their fight, there was a brief remix of their intro for the Fight Pass viewers to enjoy.
https://twitter.com/GrabakaHitman/status/703700135868497923
Brad Pickett def. Francisco Rivera via split-decision. Pickett took the mic and tearfully said that he will keep on fighting after considering retirement.
And we all can't wait to see you back @One_Punch! #UFCLondon https://t.co/jdbnyHZz51
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 27, 2016
Here we go again!! Get to @UFCFightPass NOW!! #UFCLondon https://t.co/HBhfYl0sBS
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2016
Prelims:
—Makwan Amirkhani def. Mike Wilkinson via unanimous decision.
—Davey Grant def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision.
—Scott Askham def. Chris Dempsey via head kick KO (round 1).
—Arnold Allen def. Yaotzin Meza via unanimous decision.
—Krzysztof Jotko def. Brad Scott via unanimous decision.
—Rustam Khabilov def. Norman Parke via unanimous decision.
—Daniel Omielańczuk def. Jarjis Danho vis technical decision (majority).
—Teemu Packalén def. Thibault Gouti via rear naked choke submission (round 2).
—David Teymur def. Martin Svensson via TKO (round 2).