Michael Bisping’s Title Reign: All the Details

Michael Bisping is among the most well-known personalities in mixed martial arts, and the former UFC middleweight champion is known for his relentless pressure, crisp striking, and excellent conditioning. This article closely examines the Englishman’s title reign, highlighting the number of successful title defenses, notable opponents, and legacy. 

Michael Bisping’s UFC title reign in the middleweight division began in June 2016 after he defeated Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 via first-round TKO to secure one of the most stunning upsets in promotional history. Despite losing two title eliminators against Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen early on, Bisping’s unwavering determination kept him pushing forward. 

Notable Opponents

Michael Bisping faced several world-class opponents to solidify his status as one of the best middleweight champions in the UFC. Here are some of his most notable opponents:

Dan Henderson: Michael Bisping faced Dan Henderson twice in his career. After losing the first bout against the American via second-round knockout at UFC 100 in July 2009, Bisping redeemed his loss over seven years later at UFC 204 in October 2016. In their second outing, Michael Bisping successfully defended his middleweight title for the first time. 

‘The Count’s legendary conditioning helped him secure a unanimous decision after five hard rounds. He held on to his middleweight crown and secured the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus as well. 

Anderson Silva: Michael Bisping and Anderson Silva faced off at UFC Fight Night 84 in February 2016 in one of the most memorable bouts in UFC middleweight history. The highly competitive fight saw Silva displaying his trademark striking style, with Bisping showcasing his relentless forward pressure and stand-up game. 

Despite being dropped by a brutal flying knee at the end of the third round, Bisping rallied to win the fight via unanimous decision. 

Georges St-Pierre: Michael Bisping faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217 in November 2017 in New York City. As the reigning middleweight champion, Bisping attempted to defend his title against a fighter widely considered among the greatest fighters of all time. 

The two fighters brought fireworks to the octagon, and Bisping displayed his incredible striking and aggression. However, St-Pierre’s legendary grappling helped the Canadian fighter to win the bout via third-round submission. St-Pierre became the new UFC middleweight champion. 

Legacy

Michael Bisping is one of the most inspirational fighters ever to become a champion in the UFC. Michael Bisping’s career is a testament to the warrior spirit, showcasing his unwavering perseverance, determination, and refusal to give up. His accomplishments inside and outside the cage and his outspoken nature have secured his place as one of the most respected and influential fighters in the history of MMA.

Conclusion 

Michael Bisping became the UFC middleweight champion after defeating Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in June 2016 and went on to defend his title once against Dan Henderson. He held on to his title for over a year until faced Georges St-Pierre took it off him at UFC 217 in November 2017. After facing many notable opponents during his career, Bisping transitioned to broadcast duties and remains a widely beloved figure in MMA.