3. Michael Bisping
Micahel Bisping (23-4-0) is the most misunderstood and disliked man in the UFC. This largely stems from three factors: he is British, he is outspoken and he is a brilliant martial artist. These three factors combined result in him being the man the Americans love to hate. Regardless of this the Brit has been an ever present figure in the top ten of the middleweight division in recent years and all of his losses have come against elite top level fighters, three of these being highly contentious. Most recently he lost a very debateable decision to Silvas latest victim Chael Sonnen. Many, including Dana White, thought Bisping won that fight and had he got the nod from the judges then he would have been squaring off against Silva at UFC 148 and not Sonnen. If Bisping does get a shot at Silva than he needs to fight to a very smart game plan. He prefers to fight on his feet but he cannot allow Silva to get into any sort of rhythm standing, he needs to pressure the Brazilian from the off and mix up his attacks between striking and takedown attempts. He needs to close the distance quickly and get Silva against the fence where he can try and score with knees and dirty boxing. Bispings grappling is very underrated and provides him with an effective tool with which he can attempt to neutralise the Brazilians striking prowess. If he can do all these things then he has a chance. Likely method of victory: Beating Silva would be a gargantuan task for the Brit but if he can keep Silva guessing by mixing up strikes, take downs and his grappling than he he can take a decision victory.