Primer: UFC 110

If you enjoy deeper meaning in your sporting events, you can look at UFC 110 as the possible end of a paved road for two of fighting’s most destructive talents.

From 2001 to 2006, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic was a combat sport boogeyman -- a K-1 grade striker who developed maddening takedown defense. Losses were rare: even mighty Fedor Emelianenko couldn’t finish him off. But a move to North America dulled his edge, and recent fights have seen Filipovic hesitate on the trigger. If he can’t find renewed enthusiasm against late replacement Anthony Perosh, a grappler ready-made for one of Filipovic’s skull-shearing kicks, even devoted international fans will have to question his combat stubbornness.

Ironically, Filipovic himself may be at blame for the career slide of Wanderlei Silva, a vicious fighter who dominated the Japanese scene for much of the last decade. Filipovic’s knockout of Silva invited a series of losses, some by KO, that have deprived fans in the States the Viking-Dahmer style Silva displayed in Japan.

Can either man correct his career slide? It’ll cost you $44.95 to find out.

What: UFC 110: Relentless, a nine-bout fight card from the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia.

When: Saturday, Feb. 20 (Feb. 21 in Oz) at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Why You Should Care: Because undefeated heavyweight Cain Velasquez will be in more trouble on the ground than he’s ever thought possible against a rejuvenated Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira; because Silva’s fight with Michael Bisping might be the best three minutes of the night; because Ryan Bader could jump acres in the 205-pound division with a win over an experienced Keith Jardine; and because 15,000 Australian fans previously deprived of a live UFC event should make everything seem that much more intense.

Fight of the Night: Nogueira/Velasquez, the ultimate example of experience and attrition over youth and aggression.

Hype Quote of the Show: “Everybody don’t like him.” -- Silva, channeling Sara Lee, on Bisping.