One of my cousins is currently berating me on Facebook for not supporting Conor because apparently as an Irishman its my duty, and that Conor is the greatest Champion of all time because hes made the most money and "put the UFC on the map".
I'm so sick of people who never heard of MMA 6 months ago trying to tell me what's what about the only sport ive actively followed for like the last 7 years
Sounds like Irish reasoning to me.
And I'd guess that Anderson - and maybe Brock - have him beat on lifetime UFC earnings. It's just that they didn't grow up in a culture that encouraged them to brag about it.
I think we can all agree on one thing at least: if Silva loses, he's gotta retire
Both of them should retire regardless. Bisping has nothing left in the sport - Rockhold made him look like a welterweight. Silva may still have the skills to hang at the top, but for the sake of legacy I'd bow out if I were him.
This fight comes across as the closing chapter of the Silva Era. Bisping - on numerous occasions - came close to getting a title shot but never did. So basically this is a way of making up for that and closing the book for good on that era.
But Bisping probably wants to have rematches with Hendo and Vitor - and maybe fight Machida or something. But if he's still in the sport by this time next year then I'd be really surprised. If Silva still wants to fight then he better pick them wisely as well, because I think he'd be embarrassed by anyone in the top five.