With the recent announcement that UFC middleweight Michael ‘The Count’ Bisping (21-3) would be returning as a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series, opposite Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller, the British fighter will once again be featured on American television.
The last time Bisping coached on “TUF” was on the ninth season opposite current Strikeforce champ, Dan Henderson. During that series, ‘The Count’ felt that he was portrayed as the “Bad Guy” to North American fans, but this time he hopes to add a few fans instead of adding more haters.
Talking to reporter Gareth Davies of the Telegraph.co.uk, Bisping talked about coaching on the upcoming “TUF” season, noting that he is one or two fights away from fighting for the UFC middleweight title. If he beats ‘Mayhem’ Miller, and isn’t given an immediate title shot, the Brit feels he’ll meet former U.S. Marine Brian Stann next.
“I think they have looked at characters, but I want to represent myself well. I’ve been around Miller many times and he’s a pain in the butt. I’m sure if he pesters me enough, he’ll get a reaction at some point. I’m sure there will be a bit of back and forth, and we’ll have some fun with it. But at the same time, hopefully I can keep my cool and win a few fans around the world – even in America…”
On Stann: “He looked very good indeed. Santiago was coming back for his second spell in the UFC after a great run in Sengoku. He had been on a very, very effective winning streak. But Stann got the decisive KO, and a good finish against a considerable opponent. Stann is a fight for me in the future. He’s the all-American hero, and I’m the British bad boy. I definitely see him as a future opponent, and if they do not give me the title shot, then perhaps it will be Stann. I look forward to meeting him down the line.”
Check out more of Bisping’s comments on teammate Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson’s win over Matt Hamill at last weekends UFC 130 event by hitting the link above.