Perennial UFC middleweight contender Michael Bisping saw the UFC on FOX 8 co-main event differently than most fans and analysts.
While fight aficionados did not get the entertaining welterweight scrap between Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger they expected, the lackluster action still pointed to “Ares” winning a unanimous decision.
“The Count” initially seemed to believe otherwise:
Am I crazy, but I think ellenberger may have done enough to win. Although rogan had it all for Rory
— michael (@bisping) July 28, 2013
However, the outspoken English fighter quickly began singing a different tune:
Ok I’m wrong lol but 30-27 no way, he won the last for sure.
— michael (@bisping) July 28, 2013
According to the Fight Metric stats, MacDonald outstruck Ellenberger in significant strikes 46 to 19, with the Tristar Gym standout keeping “The Juggernaut” at range for the majority of the fight using his jab and a front kick.
While Ellenberger scored the only takedown of the bout late in the third and final frame, he wasn’t able to inflict much damage from the top position.
MacDonald won the bout by unanimous decision, improving his win streak to five, with the three judges scoring the fight 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27.
At the post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White slammed both top 170-pound competitors, saying that he didn’t think MacDonald performed and that “Ellenberger froze tonight” (via MMA Junkie).
Meanwhile, despite being just 2-2 in his past four fights, Bisping has a chance to remain relevant at UFC Fight Night 29 in October, where he faces a tough test in Mark Munoz.
Bisping most recently earned a technical decision over Alan Belcher at UFC 159 in April, while Munoz is fresh off a dominant unanimous decision win over Tim Boetsch at UFC 162 earlier this month.
John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com.
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