News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The waiting has finally paid off for UFC fans hoping for news of a big main event for UFC London next February, writes James Edwards.

The UFC have delivered an early Christmas present for MMA fans all around the world and it comes in the form of a Brazilian former undisputed UFC middleweight champion.

UFC President Dana White announced this evening on Twitter that Michael 'The Count' Bisping will face Anderson 'The Spider' Silva in a middleweight superfight at the O2 Arena in London on February 27th.

Bisping had been previously booked to face Gegard Mousasi in a bout on the undercard, however that all changed this evening with Bisping finally being awarded his shot at Silva, who for many years reigned on top of the UFC's 185lbs division.

Whilst Silva was on top of the division, Bisping came within one victory of a shot at the title three times however he suffered losses to Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen and Vitor Belfort.

Bisping has admitted openly he has always resented the fact these men denied him his opportunity to face the then-champion Anderson, however with tonight's announcement he will now get his chance to face the Brazilian and cement his legacy as one of the finest middleweights to ever enter the UFC Octagon.

Bisping won't be the only man in the cage with motivations though. Following consecutive losses to Chris Weidman and receiving an anti-doping ban after a bout back in January with Nick Diaz at UFC 183, Silva will be looking to get his career back on track and make one last run at the title himself.

Known as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC, Anderson is still a big fan favourite and he holds many UFC records including the longest run of successive UFC championship defences (10) and most consecutive wins (16).

(Image: Hedges/Zuffa LLC) (Image: Getty)

Following a long wait for UFC fans, in which many were growing concerned at the-the lack of star power headlining the card, the announcement of Silva today will make many feel that Christmas has come early.

UFC London now has 13 fights announced and promises to be an incredible night in the English capital on February 27th: