UFC 139 Predictions: What a Win Would Mean for Cung Le

Ask and you shall receive.

Former Strikeforce champion Cung Le got what he wanted by signing a new deal with the UFC, which has given him the opportunity to make his Octagon debut against MMA legend Wanderlei Silva. Despite an extended absence from competition due to his acting career, Le is being thrown straight into the mix for a middleweight title shot in the UFC.

In order to prove himself as one of the most talented mixed martial artists in the world, Le will now have to deliver some of the highlight-reel knockouts that he has become known for. At 39-years-old, Le doesn't have much time to accomplish greatness, but he is being given the opportunity.

With no time for setbacks, Le's legacy within the MMA world depends on a win over Silva at UFC 139. 

Although Le doesn't have nearly the same amount of MMA experience as Silva, this is a very winnable fight for the Vietnamese fighter. A former kickboxer, Le's skill set matches up well against Silva's aggressive striking style. Age has also caught up with "The Axe Murderer" over recent years, as he lost six of his past eight contests.

If Le comes away from Saturday night's bout with a win, his acting credentials may work in his favor, as the UFC will want to push the popular fighter toward a title fight. 

A lot is riding on Le's fight with Silva. Hopefully for Le, the jitters of his first Octagon appearance and the long layoff to pursue his acting career don't end up costing the UFC debutante a chance to contend for the middleweight championship.  

Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @SeanSmithMMA.