Does Anderson Silva Gain Anything with a Win over Stephan Bonnar at UFC 153?

While Anderson Silva vs. Stephan Bonnar probably isn't a dream main event for many fans, the duo did step up to save the injury-plagued UFC 153 headliner. And for that, both men deserve credit.

So in a sense, Silva has already gained something from his match with Bonnar. 

But when we examine the fight itself, what can the pound-for-pound king really get out of a fight against a middling light heavyweight better known for his performance on The Ultimate Fighter than anything he has done since?

How about another stunning knockout to add to Silva's collection?

While that might seem redundant, considering Silva's cap is already bursting with feathers, the potential to grab another highlight cannot be overlooked, especially for a man working to grow his own legend.

While Bonnar might not mean much for Silva as an opponent, the very opportunity for "The Spider" to put on a show does mean something.

Think back to Silva's bout with Forrest Griffin. Would it really have mattered who his opponent was? Probably not. Not the way he obliterated Griffin. That fight stands as one of Silva's defining moments, and it still would even if his opponent had been a complete unknown.

So what if he goes out and puts on a similar show against Bonnar? Wouldn't that be a nice addition to his trophy shelf?

Of course, weighted opposite the potential devastation a loss would bring, the chance to add another moment of glory to the resume seems rather insignificant.

But that only brings us back to the appreciation Silva deserves for taking the fight to begin with. He has taken on a challenge that is by every sense—high risk, low reward. 

Given that the landscape of the UFC has come to resemble the politic realm almost as much as the athletic, the stance Silva has taken here is both laudable and refreshing.

Still, not many people will remember to acknowledge that, should the improbable happen.