Video: Michael Bisping takes aim at Anderson Silva in media scrum

TORRANCE, Calif. – Anderson Silva has the respect of UFC Fight Night 83 opponent Michael Bisping. But only to a point.

Bisping (27-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) discussed his excitement over facing the UFC legend and former long-time middleweight champion Silva (27-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) at today’s open workout event. The chance to face a legend was far more exciting to Bisping than his originally planned matchup with Gegard Mousasi at the Feb. 27 event at London’s 02 Arena.

“I was supposed to fight Gegard Mousasi,” Bisping told MMAjunkie. “And, while I was excited fighting in London, it was just another in a long list of opponents. It was just another name, another opponent. (UFC President) Dana White called offered Anderson Silva and, of course, that changes everything. This is a huge fight. Biggest fight of my career. I’m returning to London for my first fight in the UK in five or six years against the greatest of all time, the legend that is Anderson Silva. Of course, this changes everything. I’m very excited.”

Bisping hasn’t been completely cordial to Silva, who tested positive for multiple banned substances following his win over Nick Diaz at UFC 183. The bout with Bisping will be his first after serving a year-long suspension for the offense.

Bisping isn’t ready to let Silva forget about his transgressions.

“Listen, Anderson is a great fighter, he’s achieved many, many things,” Bisping said. “But the fact of the matter is, he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in his last fight. Apparently, that’s the first time he’s been tested. That’s what he said. His words, not mine. A cynic would lead me to believe that he was using his whole career. Shame on him. How he calls himself a martial artist and takes performance enhancing drugs is beyond me, it really is.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 84, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.