Jackson strapped into a roller coaster that saw his star rise with a quick knockout of Liddell to win the UFC title in May 2007. A five-round decision over another ex-Pride stud, Dan Henderson, was next, followed by a stint as a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” and a title defense against the wildly popular Forrest Griffin.

Griffin kicked and grappled and traded blows and pulled out a slim, unanimous decision over Rampage.

Maybe it was all a little too much for Jackson, who then mixed a dangerous cocktail of energy drinks and insomnia that sent him on a wild police chase and landed him in meetings with mental-health professionals.

Silva, meanwhile, re-entered the UFC with fanfare even though he had lost his previous two fights to Dan Henderson and Mirko Filipovic. His first UFC foe was ex-champ Liddell, and the two delivered a load of fireworks in an anticipated showdown won via decision by “The Iceman.”

Silva responded, though, with a vintage knockout of Keith Jardine in May, inserting himself into the hunt for the light heavyweight belt.

All of which brings us to Silva-Jackson III on Dec. 27. The winner might get a title shot against Griffin or Rashad Evans, or, perhaps, land a spot across the cage from Anderson Silva.

Slumps and breakdowns aside, Wanderlei Silva and Jackson remain top-tier mixed martial artists. The past might not indicate this is a bout that must happen. But present circumstances and the place where each fighter is in his respective career make it a fight that’s once again in demand.

Sly Stallone would probably agree.