How do you beat a southpaw? By beating a southpaw!

Duh.

UFC on FX 7 headliner Michael Bisping is getting himself ready for a potential 185-pound title fight against Anderson Silva, by tuning up his striking against another Brazilian southpaw in this Saturday night's (Jan. 19, 2013) main event at Ginasio Estadual Geraldo Jose de Almeida in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"The Count" explains to ESPN.co.uk:

"The good thing is Vitor Belfort is the perfect warm-up for Anderson Silva. He's a southpaw, Anderson's a southpaw, and they're both incredible strikers. My skills against a southpaw have definitely improved a lot in this training camp. At the start of the camp I was struggling because things do change due to the stance. But now I'm over those problems. Fingers crossed I get the business done, and then I've had the perfect tune-up for Anderson Silva."

This almost feels like it needs one of those financial disclaimers about "forward-looking statements."

As it stands, Bisping is a +105 underdog heading into hostile territory and may need to put forth a dominant performance if he hopes to secure a future "Spider" fight. Even with his new 10-fight contract, Silva doesn't seem to be in any particular hurry to jump back inside the cage.

Anyone think a win earns "The Count" his golden ticket?