UFC 132 Preview: Wanderlei Silva Expects Fight of the Year Versus Chris Leben

Whenever two strikers meet each other, it is always bound to turn into an entertaining bout and there should be no exception for Wanderlei Silva or Chris Leben.

It will be the first time both fighters meet each other at UFC 132 and Silva will be making his return after a year layoff rehabbing an injury.

Silva spoke with FightersOny.co.uk and he believes his bout with Leben will remind fans just how dangerous the Brazilian can be. 

"We fight toe to toe, we give show the fans like to watch," Silva said. 

"I am faster, I am faster than him. Who's gonna hit first? My style is to go in there and [throw a lot of punches].”

Both strikers have knocked out several opponents throughout their respective careers and are known for their aggressive, brawling style. It is because of their styles that makes this fight more intriguing and it even has the former Pride FC Middleweight Champion claiming the bout to be a potential candidate for "Fight of the Year."

After experimenting with different weight classes in previous fights, Silva made the transition to middleweight last year where he made his debut against British slugger Michael Bisping. Silva looked to be in much better condition and earned a victory over Bisping via unanimous decision.

Leben has been one of the more exciting, attracting fighters to compete in the middleweight division, as the former Ultimate Fighter season one alumni has recorded wins over Yoshihiro Akiyama, Aaron Simpson and Patrick Cote. 

While both men are noted for their knockout ability, Silva has taken far more susceptible punishment to being knocked out in his career. But despite his vulnerability, Silva predicts the bout won't make it past the first round and sees himself imposing his will early.

"I'm going to hit him a couple of times and after that he is going to go out. I'm going to beat him fast," he said.