For Michael Bisping, his upcoming bout with Anderson Silva can be technically pitched as better late than never.

Bisping has long wanted to fight Silva, especially during his days as a middleweight champion. Bisping's past target was Silva's title, but come Feb. 27 for UFC Fight Night 84 at the O2 Arena, there will be no title on the line.

For the coming UFC event in London, dealing the legendary Silva a loss is the only thing on the Englishman’s mind.

"Other than a world title fight, there is no bigger fight for me. I get to finally fight him in London at the O2 Arena… And it's against an opponent who really captures the imagination of the mixed martial arts world. They say to become a legend you have to beat a legend and that's what I plan on doing," said Bisping in an interview.

Bisping is brimming with confidence and didn’t think twice when he learned he was facing "The Spider." Along with the usual showdowns is the trash talk, which includes likening Silva to two boxing greats: Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.

"Anderson Silva will go down in mixed martial arts terms like a Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson type figure," Bisping said. "When Dana White (president of the UFC) actually told me about the change of opponent, I didn't hesitate for one second."

Despite Bisping's confidence heading into the fight this weekend, he is aware of what Silva could bring. Banned substances aside, he knows the capabilities of Silva, particularly his striking. With that in mind, Bisping will have to map out a perfect game plan to frustrate Silva, who is aching to get his career back on track following a year-long suspension.

Bisping is riding on the momentum of a two-fight winning streak. After a loss to Luke Rockhold, the Englishman rebounded with a win against C.B. Dollaway and Thales Leites.

Silva, on the other hand, is looking for his first win after a long time. His last win came at the expense of Stephan Bonnar way back in 2012 before suffering back-to-back losses at the hands of Chris Weidman.

He did win over Nick Diaz in 2015, but the results were overturned to a no-contest after Silva tested positive for drostanolone and androsterone.

With that previous match against Diaz in mind, will Silva come clean this weekend against "The Count"?