Silva Remains Stoic Despite Bisping's Goading at London Weigh In

Michael Bisping and Anderson Silva have been their usual selves in the build up to their clash tomorrow night in the 02.

After his positive drug test, which resulted in his last win over Nick Diaz being overturned to a no contest, there have been a lot of conversations focused on whether the once consensus greatest MMA fighter of all time has been affected by the controversy. With all the questions about his legacy coming to the forefront, some might have expected 'The Spider' to protect his legendary legacy as Bisping has continued to call it into question. However, Silva has been his typical nonchalant self in the lead-up to the bout.

In the build up to his clash with Bisping, UFC.com released some footage of Travis Barker visiting Silva during his final training sessions. When the superstar percussionist asked Silva how he felt, the Brazilian told him that he felt like had "nothing to prove" going into the London showdown.

At yesterday's media day, Silva echoed the same sentiments to the gathered media who were in attendance.

"This is me, it's natural," said Silva. "I don't like to talk too much. My job is to fight."

"I fight because I love my job. I love to fight. I've fought for a long time during my life and I like martial arts. I don't think I need to prove nothing more, but I think the personal challenge–for my body, for my mind, for my techniques.

"All the time I go to the gym and train different martial arts techniques and this is a personal thing for me, you know?"

Bisping began his assault on Silva long before they even reached the English capital. At their open workouts in California, Bisping went straight for the jugular of the former middleweight champion, and even after the most damning insult were thrown his way, Silva didn't bat an eyelid.

"See you in London, my friend," Bisping shouted at Anderson as they crossed each other's paths.

"No Viagra," he added, citing Silva's defense that he offered the NSAC when he appeared in front of them after his positive drug test.

"No, just my punch in your face," Silva responded. "Relax, don't worry man."

"It's my shin to your chin. You're too old. Look at this beard," said Bisping gesturing towards Anderson's face, which sported grey stubble.

Silva replied: "I'm old. But you know what, I'm more smart. I'm champion for a long time. Remember?"

"Yes, on steroids," Bisping fired back.

"Come on man. Give me a hug," Silva said with a smile on his face. "I understand your frustration for never going for the belt."

Bisping has continued to try to get into Silva's head since they arrived in London. While posing together for a quick picture at Tower Bridge, Bisping began taunting Silva and security had to rush on to the scene to make sure nothing escalated.

At today's weigh-in, Bisping launched another tirade at Silva as the Brit's hometown support roared their support for 'The Count'.

"Everybody here, thank you so much for supporting me over the years. It means the world to me," Bisping boomed to the crowd. "When I step into the cage tomorrow I'm doing it on behalf of myself and Great Britain. Thank you all."

"This man is a cheat," he said pointing at Silva. "This man is a fraud and I will make you pay for your mistakes tomorrow night, my friend. All the needles in your arse, all the steroids will not help you, you pussy!"

Despite being shouted at as the majority of the 02 Indigo Lounge were baying for his blood, Silva just nodded, smiled and gave Bisping the thumbs up.

Although it appears as though Bisping has had the upper hand in the mental battle due to his outspoken manner, we have seen Silva utilize the same unenthusiastic approach on many occasions.

Throughout the build up to the all-Brazilian middleweight showdown that pitted him against Vitor Belfort back in February 2011, similar to UFC London, Silva claimed that he had nothing to prove. As we all know, that meeting ended up producing one of the most spectacular highlight reel moments among many that Silva has gifted the MMA world with over the years.

Bisping is undoubtedly facing Siva under the best circumstances he could hope for. With Anderson now a healthy 40-years-old and with Bisping's passionate support on hand to help to him add to his 17-0 record on British soil, it really is an ideal set up for the trail blazing Brit.

That being said, Silva is capable of producing magic in the Octagon. Despite him refuting that his positive PED test has not obscured his legacy, the Brazilian will want to show the world that he is still capable of mixing it with the best fighters in the world. Having announced his intention to reclaim the UFC middleweight title, we will have to wait until tomorrow to see if he can put on a display that will convince the MMA world that he is ready to challenge for it.