Michael Bisping: ‘Maybe in the Past I Didn’t Truly Believe’ I Could Be Champ

Filed under: UFCMichael Bisping may not be a fan favorite in the US, but few would argue that the British star tends to be among the most interesting interviews in the sport. His brash style combined with a willingness to engage in mental warfare with …

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Michael Bisping may not be a fan favorite in the US, but few would argue that the British star tends to be among the most interesting interviews in the sport. His brash style combined with a willingness to engage in mental warfare with opponents makes him among the most quoteworthy fighters around.

Now 31 years old and with experience to grow on, Bisping feels he’s finally graduated to a maturity level that can move him to elite status. It’s to the point where he’s comfortable enough turning his words on himself. Take Thursday for instance, when the middleweight contender was asked about making a run at the UFC championship, and he answered with typical directness, and a serious dose of self-reflection.

“I’ve been talking about it a bit recently,” he said. “Obviously in the past I’ve talked about wanting to be the champion, being the world champ. It’s ironic. Maybe in the past I didn’t truly believe it. I was just saying it because it’s the thing you’re supposed to say. But now everything’s coming together.