It’s time for Michael Bisping to get his shot at the title, regardless of his recent statements that have rubbed many the wrong way. Unless the UFC pulls Chris Weidman from his match with Tim Boetsch, pitting him against Bisping for a number one contendership one off, I say give Bisping the next shot at Anderson Silva’s belt. Picking up his thirteenth win in the UFC against another top opponent in Brian Stann at UFC 152, what more can he really prove at this point?
I agree with Joe Rogan when he says Bisping may be the most under rated fighter in the UFC. I for one believe he should’ve been awarded the win against Chael Sonnen at UFC on Fox 2. That night he landed the harder shots and only gave up a few take downs to a couple of his own, and I don’t think takedowns should warrant points if the opponent jumps right back up from them. If you don’t believe me then watch Sonnen’s face when his hand was raised in that one. He definitely looked surprised and for good reason.
Watch the video below as Bisping talks with Arial Helwani right after his fight against Brian Stann.
VIDEO COURTESY OF MMA FIGHTING..
Bisping has out struck the best strikers, hung tough with strong wrestlers, and has been winning in the middle weight division long enough and consistently enough to be the first real top contender to challenge Silva since, well forever . He’s definitely more dangerous to Silva’s reign than many other opponents in the past due to how well rounded his fight game has become.
Whether Georges St Pierre beats Carlos Condit at UFC 154 or Jon Jones has a change of heart and bids for a super fight against Silva, there is finally a reason for ‘The Spider’ to stay in his division. Sure it’s unfortunately ironic since the opportunity for a super fight between GSP and himself has never been closer.
Recently Silva took a fight on short notice against Stephan Bonnar at UFC 153 while making claims that GSP is the only big fight he’s interested in taking these days. Maybe he should turn back around and see the state of his division. Both Weidman and Bisping are cleaning house at the moment.
Yet here is a fun promotional opportunity for the UFC that may inspire Silva to change his mind. A Brit has yet to win UFC gold. Sure a few have won the ultimate fighter but this is different, and I believe this fight would be a great way to end 2012 or kick off the subsequent new year for a promotion that has been receiving criticism from fans for a lack of quality opponents for its biggest draws.
This is simply the next best fight for Silva should GSP turn down the champs offer for a super fight. So if anyone is sick of fighters talking their way in to title contention as I, then this fight needs to happen over other options in the middle weight division.
By Gabe Keith ~ Senior Writer
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