Photo by Esther Lin for mmafighting.com
For the past few years, the UFC has been trying to sell fans on the idea that Michael Bisping is an elite fighter - a Middleweight who is among the very best, and just inches away from a shot at Anderson Silva. And for years, that message has seemed rather forced. Amidst the UFC hype, the Bisping many fans, including myself, actually saw was a perfectly fine, but in no way exceptional fighter. A fighter with decent kickboxing skills, but no power to close the show. A fighter whose big wins all came against less than top level opposition. In short, a fighter who did not merit that praise.
Last night, on UFC on Fox 2, Michael Bisping changed that opinion.
Over the course of 15 minutes, Bisping fought the best fight of his career, and he did it on the biggest stage of his career. Bisping was the underdog to Chael Sonnen, and for good reason. Sonnen was the man who had rolled through Nate Marquardt, Yushin Okami, Brian Stann, and had dominated Anderson Silva for over 20 minutes. What could Bisping possibly have to challenge him?
The answer it turned out, was quite a bit. Bisping came into the fight focused, determined, and with a solid game plan, which he executed very well - an accomplishment made all the more impressive by the fact that, until two weeks ago, he was training for a completely different opponent stylistically in Demian Maia. Yet in spite of this late change, and in spite of seeming to be in over his head, Bisping took the fight to Sonnen, stuffing the wrestling master's takedowns, scrambling back to his feet when taken down, and controlling the action against the cage. For the first 2 rounds, Bisping not only avoided the notorious grind of Sonnen, he fought back with a grinding game of his own.
In the end, Chael did secure that takedown, winning big in round 3, and just inching by in the first 2 rounds to take home a unanimous decision victory. And so you could look at this as just another example of Bisping being unable to win against the very best. But to do so is to ignore the reality of what happened in this fight. And what happened was Michael Bisping took the fight to Sonnen, battling to a close decision that many will forever argue the Brit should have rightly won.
Most importantly, Michael Bisping finally lived up to the UFC hype. He proved that he does indeed belong at the top of the division, and that he is more than just a product of marketing and match-making. Suddenly, the idea of Bisping vs. Silva doesn't seem quite so ridiculous.
Whether you love him or hate him, and whether you scored the fight for him or not, last night's big winner was Michael Bisping - a true force in the Middleweight division. And for the first time, that's not hype.
3 recs | 85 comments
Bisping did well
If he fought Maia instead, he probably would have finished him.
Tats16 - January 29, 2012
On last nights performances
He would have ruined Maia.
NE188 - January 29, 2012
He still hasn't beat a top 10 fighter though
kellly - January 29, 2012
Brain Stann is a top 10 fighter, who has he beat? Who has Maia beat to secure his spot as the #5 fighter? How about Belfort, who has exactly one win at middleweight in the UFC? Bisping consistently beats tough fighters and is improving each time out. Nobody is saying that he deserves a title shot right now, but with another win or two he’ll be up there.
savik - January 29, 2012
Belfort beat Akiyama at middleweight and Rumble Johnson [who came in at pastryweight] as well.
so that’s two wins at 185.
i agree that another two wins or a very solid win against another high ranked opponent [possibly Belfort] should definitely put him in line for a title shot.
Victor Rodriguez - January 29, 2012
Rumble came in at 195+ so that fight was officially a catchweight. Vitor has one win at middleweight like I said.
Belfort’s busy with Ultimate Fighter and Wandy so he’s not an option in the foreseeable future. Stann is fighting soon, as is Okami. I see Bisping either getting Maia next as a tune up fight, or maybe they’ll throw him in with Munoz.
savik - January 29, 2012
So sick of this Vitor weight argument
No offense mate but it is splitting hairs
ThatsHowIRoll - January 29, 2012
Oh don’t get me wrong, I definitely give Belfort credit for those victories and think he is one of the best middleweights on the planet. I’m just saying that the same way that Bisping’s victories could be discounted, so could Belfort’s.
savik - January 29, 2012 via mobile
based on last night,
i reckon bisping would’ve killed maia.
People will still complain about mike though, following the mayhem fight, everyone was banging on about him not facing anyone top 5/10, well he outperformed the number 2 MW (or MW champion, depending who you listen to).
Just watched it back now, i really dont think he got enough credit for getting out of the take downs, even when he managed to escape full mount, thats an achievement in itself
Black Flag - January 29, 2012
Defensively Bisping was always pretty good
But he is starting to become an elite defender. If he could add a Machida/Liddell style of offense to his game he would be able to beat a majority of middleweights.
discoandherpes - January 29, 2012
^ this.
Sonnen was going to SMASH Bisping wasn’t he? Nope. Bisping believed he won. Sonnen believed Bisping won. DFW believed Bisping won and most importantly, I believe Bisping won. So Sonnen nuthuggers can blow that up their ass and see how that tastes.
WHTID - January 29, 2012
...
The guy who won’s fans can blow it up their ass because you thought the other guy won.
…
ok
Cory Braiterman - January 29, 2012
Having the president of the company publicly state that you should have lost probably should give one a bit of pause.
Hutchy - January 29, 2012 via mobile
Unless it's Dana White
Having a history of BS comments and all…
KGNLuc - January 29, 2012
Dana also believes Diego beat Kampmann so...
Sweet Scientist - January 29, 2012
0-15 on takedowns
And soundly outstruck. Biggest robbery I’ve ever seen, and Dana’s Diego-loving made it even worse.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
A fucking disgrace. Definitely one of the worst decisions I've ever seen.
Sweet Scientist - January 29, 2012
It was worse
Than getting Leonard Garcia’d, since at least Garcia lands occasionally and it does LOOK impressive when he does even if the trained eye can tell otherwise.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
true dat
but he’s come out of a fight and probably won over a lot of fans that were hating all over his ass for the last 3 years, he’s come out of defeat looking good, unlike davis, who people are now questioning how good he actually is, or whether this defeat would knock him back some.
Black Flag - January 29, 2012
Bisping is definitely a top fighter and I’m a fan, but it’s hard to get too excited about someone who is probably the easiest style match up for Anderson Silva out of all the consensus top 25 MW fighters.
Jahbulon - January 29, 2012
Joe Rogan:
“Bisping might be the most underrated fighter in the UFC”
Body Triangle - January 29, 2012
Has Rogan ever thought a fighter or fighter's skillset was appropriately rated, though?
Chris Hall - January 29, 2012
probably
he just doesn’t mention them
Cunny - January 29, 2012
He's underrated and overrated at the same time
He is more skilled than people give him credit for, but has yet to beat anyone great.
discoandherpes - January 29, 2012
Here’s the thing: uber aggressive heavy handed quick brawlers will always give Bisping trouble, guys like Wandy and Hendo (I would favor Wandy even today in that rematch), he simply doesn’t have the firepower to keep them off. BUT…..Bisping has this funky unique skill set that takes grinders, guys like Rashad and Sonnen who specialize in grinding dudes down, and makes them look like shit. Bisping has great TDD, greAt scrambles, and good footwork on the feet. Bisping will always thrive against those guys because it takes everything they have just to hold him down, let alone mount offense. The first Rashad fight was the first fight I’ve ever Seen won where the winner mounted literally no offense the entire fight. I think Bisping would have demolished Maia last night. Face it guys, he’s a really good fighter.
Hutchy - January 29, 2012 via mobile
This shouldn't surprise anyone
Bisping’s been a top 10 fighter for a long time now, but I don’t see him ever breaking through to the top of the division.
Chris Hall - January 29, 2012
Being well-rounded
But without spectacular physical attributes will always leave a fighter just below the absolute elite level of their division. GSP, Aldo, and Jones have all of the skills, but what puts them over the top is their athleticism and speed; Bisping just can’t get there.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
Stann, Munoz, and Belfort have a chance of knocking him out standing if he makes a mistake, but who else can honestly beat him? Maia would get killed and I would take Bisping over Okami as well. Hell, I also think he would beat Munoz unless one of Munoz’s overly predictable haymakers connects with Bisping’s skull. I believe he’s gonna break through, its just a matter of time.
savik - January 29, 2012
How much time does he need?
He’s been fighting for eight years total, five of them in the UFC; additionally, he’s almost 33 and is nearing the end of his peak. Last night was the best Bisping we’ve seen, and as you pointed out there are particular stylistic matchups that favor him (Okami, most notably), but if he hasn’t “broken through” by now it’s probably not going to happen.
He’s definitely a top-10 fighter, and given the overall weakness of the middleweight division he’s probably top 5, but this is as good as it gets.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
I don’t think Bisping needs more time for anything. If his career ended tomorrow, he could hold his head high. He has a ton of wins, a few close debatable decisions go against him, and one big loss. Tons of fighters would kill to gave had his career.
Hutchy - January 29, 2012 via mobile
I don't think he's a bad fighter at all
And I agree with you completely.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
Is it his fault that Joe Silva is giving him mid tier opponents? What I meant is, its only a matter of time before he gets some more higher level opposition and with it a chance to reaffirm his ranking, as well as his stake for a title shot. He’s got the skills to make it to a title shot, just wait. And the “athletic peak” thing is bullshit. Time and time again, we’ve seen that different fighters fall off at different times. Bisping could have another 5 years, we simply don’t know at this moment. As of right now though, he’s looking damn good.
savik - January 29, 2012 via mobile
If you think
The Real Michael Bisping, Worldbeater, is hiding just out of sight, then I don’t know what to tell you. Yes, he looks good; I don’t believe I disputed that. He could also earn himself a title shot with two good wins; I don’t believe I disagreed there, either.
Where I can’t agree is the idea that he has a lot of room for improvement left over. He’s almost 33. Name one veteran fighter – and Bisping certainly is a veteran at this point – who suddenly got better physically in their mid-30s. Actually, name an athlete in any sport who suddenly hit their athletic peak (I’m saying athleticism, not skill) in their 30s after spending the better part of a decade of competing in that sport. Bisping could easily have four or five years left as a top-10 fighter, but he’s basically a finished product.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
Suspiciously, or unsurprisingly, depending on your POV, Chael Sonnen, Dan Henderson, and Randy Couture all basically fit this description…
The Lethal Haze - January 29, 2012
Let's try this again
There were two parameters to my argument: first, that the fighter in question had already been competing for almost a decade by the time they showed sudden improvement; and second, that they suddenly improved athletically (not skill-wise) in their mid-30s.
Randy didn’t start competing until he was 34, and he certainly didn’t become a better athlete in his 40s. Chael’s recent success has as much to do with fighting a string of opponents who weren’t capable of submitting him as it does with any athletic improvement on his part. Hendo is basically the same fighter he’s always been (dirty boxing, his Greco, and the inside low kick/overhand right combination), he’s just never declined at all. None of those guys suddenly became a better athlete.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
I can name a few guys that inexplicably got better after 30
Sonnen, Hendo and Randy… But Bisping is a striker not a wreslter, idk if test would help him all that much
warren305 - January 29, 2012 via mobile
Their longevity is amazing
But none of those guys suddenly became a better athlete late in the game. Randy really worked on his submission grappling and his boxing, and improved his skill sets, Hendo just never really declined, and Sonnen was always an awesome athlete.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
also add Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGuire to your list
The Lethal Haze - January 29, 2012
Pretty straightforward explanation there
Roids. The best example of steroid use statistically speaking is Roger Clemens; he peaked pretty much when you’d expect him to, started to decline right when you’d expect him to, and then suddenly became unhittable again.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
It is his fault Silva is giving him mid tier opponents
Because every time Silva gives him tough competition he loses
discoandherpes - January 29, 2012
"Guys like Wandy and Hendo"
Yeah, not to mention Anderson Freaking Silva. Is there anyone who doesn’t think Silva would surgically destroy Bisping? the count is great, but he’s just a bit too slow and a bit light on the power. Anderson would get there first and hit harder every time. The only downside is they both like to counter so much it might be a really slow start.
But hey, what about in two years? How long does Sliva fight? MB at 34 is still a viable age to be gunning for number one. We are very close to a Spiderless world. Hard to see Wandy still mattering in 2 years. Or Hendo frankly, so what I think Bisping has going for him more than anything, now that I think about it, is two years time or so. At that point, Rashad is still around, Evans is probably a beast, Munoz for sure, who I see being better than Sonnen around then too. All grinders, wrestlers, who he matches up well against. I guess Vitor will still be around, but he’s been in the game so long his chin might just vanish one day. Bisping looks waaaaay better two years down. I know I left people out, but still. Good looking near future for the count.
DankNabbot - January 31, 2012
Him and Vitor need to fight next.
esuohlliM - January 29, 2012
Vitor by quasi-legal shots to the back of the head KO
Chris Hall - January 29, 2012
and bisping with his usual kick the cup
that usually happens at least once, normally
Black Flag - January 29, 2012
2nd that. Like to see him and Vitor fight!
kentmurr410 - January 29, 2012
As evidenced by my comments in this thread, I’m a Bisping fan, but Vitor is tailor made to demolish him. That’s the worlds all time worst style matchup.
Hutchy - January 29, 2012 via mobile
indeed
Bisping I was never really sold on but after last night he could do some stuff. Now would I pick him over Belfort though not so much.
MaZZacare - January 29, 2012
Bisping vs. Sonnen was butt ugly and certainly didn’t make me think Bisping has much of a shot against Silva.
smoogy2 - January 29, 2012
Pretty much.
And Bisping should never ever ever attempt that spinning kick ever again.
SSreporters - January 29, 2012
Or takedowns
Chris Hall - January 29, 2012
That's the second most embarrassing gif to come from that fight.
M.Sphinx - January 29, 2012
Yeah….like that one he scored against Sonnen, or the one that set up the brutal round of GnP on Kang. Or…any of the other times his takedowns have been effective.
Brent Brookhouse - January 29, 2012
Get out of here with your facts Brent
I’m trying to make a joke
Chris Hall - January 29, 2012
True story
when we were watching UFC 100 live, Bisping had barely started to level change, and my buddy just busted out laughing. Before Bisping had even made contact with Hendo. As if the possibility of Bisping taking Hendo down was so absurd that the only correct response was to laugh hysterically.
Good times
ElliotMatheny - January 29, 2012
Which is made worst by Hendo not having particularly great tdd
discoandherpes - January 29, 2012
Yeah, right?
ElliotMatheny - January 29, 2012
that gif sucks
it doesn’t show hendo laughing at bisping
Cory Braiterman - January 29, 2012
I agree, but I couldn't find that one
Chris Hall - January 30, 2012
"It was slow as molasses" - Rogan
Cunny - January 29, 2012
It's depressing how bad MW is that Bisping is arguably top 5 despite zero wins against the top 15
Take away Anderson Silva and it’s the least watchable division in the UFC.
185 lbs is currently comprised of guys who didn’t pan out at 205 (Sonnen, Munoz, Stann), a guy who has only 1 win at middleweight in the UFC (Belfort), a fading top contender (Maia), and then Okami, Belcher, and Bisping. Then you put in Weidman to round out the top 10 and he’s still very green.
I was impressed enough with Bisping last night to think he can challenge anyone at the top of 185 except Anderson Silva.
SSreporters - January 29, 2012
I often wonder
How much of Anderson’s awesomeness has to do with the overall lack of quality at middleweight. He’s pretty clearly the GOAT in my mind, but MW hasn’t had the kind of depth that LHW, WW, or even LW have had over the last few years.
Patrick Wyman - January 29, 2012
Exactly...
would MW be a stronger division if Anderson wasn’t there? I assume there are a lot of guys at WW who might come up and LHW who might come down if a more vulnerable champ sat atop the 185 division.
Razreshat - January 30, 2012
I don’t think that anyone is really claiming that he is top five.
chrisbboy82 - January 29, 2012
I would really like to see Bisping vs Munoz. That should be the fight to make
troyd - January 29, 2012 via mobile
this
I think it’sonly fair that Bisping get’s another opportunity at a big name near the top of the division.
jim-ma - January 29, 2012
I made a comment before the fight saying that Chael was gonna walk all over him
and boy was I wrong. Hats off to Mr. Bisping, and as the title said, he is firmly near the top of middleweight. VS Munoz for the next title fight.
verloc - January 29, 2012
The man is the best wall-walker I've ever seen. Good for him.
But to lose to a guy who looked like he was Mayhem Miller for 2 rounds…does not impress me at all.
djfivenine - January 29, 2012
Well…you make Bisping/Maia now I guess and let Bisping beat the shit out of him.
Brent Brookhouse - January 29, 2012
And people acted like I was crazy when I predicted Bisping winning that matchup.
Chris Hall - January 29, 2012
Wasn't Bisping the favorite?
sun yue - January 29, 2012
uh...hell no
Chris Groves - January 29, 2012
I'm pretty sure he was.
I love Maia and I thought Bisping would trash him.
T.C. Engel - January 29, 2012
From what I remember, he opened as a slight favorite.
And stylistically, Maia isn’t the type of fighter typically gives Bisping problems.
sun yue - January 30, 2012
Bisping would TKO him
SSreporters - January 29, 2012
This is probably the most a fighter has ever been jocked after a loss
Wow, so Sonnen didn’t destroy Bisping? Congrats, Michael! You don’t suck as much as people used to say you did!
Pantherhare - January 29, 2012
He lost a fairly close fight, but the facts remain
He has never actually defeated a top 10 opponent.
For the first time, I like his chances against more than a few top 10-ers…but he still hasn’t actually beaten one.
I think a lot of people misread him defending Sonnen’s game as him somehow applying and dominating his own game. He was on exclusively defense for the whole fight, fighting takedowns, having to deal with forward motion, with being taken down, with being put up against the cage and having to reverse.
Sonnen absolutely took the 3rd and in my mind definitely did enough in the first to take that frame.
Chris Groves - January 29, 2012
Sonnen is a forward motion machine, especially post-TRT. No one has stopped his forward motion, up to and including Anderson Silva. The point is, Bisping totally nullified Sonnen’S offense. Sonnen was coming forward, but for the first time since the Maia fight, he was totally unable to impose his will on the fight.
Hutchy - January 29, 2012 via mobile
If he, in reality, nullified Sonnen's offense
Then he would have won. He did get beat in the grappling department in the third lest I remind you.
discoandherpes - January 29, 2012
I agree with this. Bisping just needs that win over a top ten to validate his status as an elite fighter. He showed a skillset against Sonnen that would likely get him a win over a top ten opponent, but he needs to get that win.
chrisbboy82 - January 29, 2012
Bisping is only getting this much credit
Because a majority of the MMA fans on the Internet hate Chael.
What did Bisping do to win that fight? Push Sonnen against the cage for a bit?
Chael landed just as many punches as Bisping, and he killed him in takedowns.
The argument for Bisping winning that fight is he was able to control the fight for half the time in the first two rounds by pushing chael against the cage…I don’t get how that warrants a win. Nobody can possibly think Bisping is better than Chael after that fight, fans on the Internet just want any excuse to discredit Sonnen.
forget - January 29, 2012 via mobile
You realize you could apply that argument, word for word, to any one of a half dozen of Bisping’s wins? The idea that Bisping, of all people, is getting undue credit amongst Internet fans for a good performance is ironic beyond words.
Hutchy - January 29, 2012 via mobile
It shows how much people on the Internet dislike Sonnen lol
forget - January 29, 2012 via mobile
I will agree, Bisping didn’t do much offensively in the first and third rounds.
discoandherpes - January 29, 2012
So all Bisping could do was to not look horrible, and somehow, he’s “arrived” into the top of the division? Look, I agree that Bisping is a great fighter, easily top 10, but he earned that distinction a few fights ago, and last night’s fight didn’t change that.
Shnak - January 29, 2012
can't we all just agree that we desperately want bisping a crack at the title shot with and hopefully Anderson Silva because we all want to see Silva destroy Bisping
daftshadow - January 30, 2012
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