Mark Munoz was originally slated to face Sonnen at this event, only for the 'Filipino Wrecking Machine' to be forced out with an elbow injury.

As a result, Bisping was found as a late replacement, with UFC President Dana White stating that the winner of the bout will face Silva later this year.

Sonnen came within a whisker of defeating Silva at UFC 117, but suffered a submission defeat after one lapse in concentration despite dominating the Brazilian for four rounds.

Since then, the 34-year-old insists Silva has been evasive and claims a re-match will never happen, despite White's assertions.

Sonnen told the UFC: "I can guarantee you Anderson Silva and I will never cross paths again. Our business is done.

"We will not fight under any circumstances. He will not get in the ring with me ever. Anderson's not going to fight anybody.

"Behind the scenes they tried to put me and Anderson together four times and four times he said no. I called him out publicly and in Brazilian culture, if you get called out, you fight. He told Lorenzo "no".

"I leave the gym exhausted and I leave the Octagon exhausted. I will use every bit of energy I've got regardless of opponent. There's no easy fight and there's no hard fight. It's been four offers and why he won't do it?

"I can only think to guess it is because I stomped him the first time and I'll stomp him the second time."

Outspoken

Despite being renowned for his outspoken comments towards his opponents, which often causes friction in the lead-up to bouts, Sonnen has refused to bad-mouth Bisping.

Sonnen is the 1/4 favourite to beat the UK's top UFC contender with online betting company Sky Bet, but the Team Quest fighter believes Bisping represents one of the toughest challenges of his career.

He added: "I'm a Bisping supporter. I'm not on the anti-Bisping bandwagon. I never have been.

"Bisping wants a title shot and people are saying he doesn't deserve one but he's beat up everybody in front of him.

"For someone to say that he shouldn't get the opportunity, even when he beat everybody at light heavyweight. I'm not going to act as if the guy's not a great fighter. He is.

"Mike's a totally different fighter; Mike's a great fighter, but as far as opponent changes, who cares?"