In an interview with Steph Daniels of Bloody Elbow, middleweight contender Michael Bisping says he would relish the opportunity to take on fighters who previously beat him.
“I would love to rematch all the guys that have a victory over me. Chael is one of them, Rashad, Henderson, Vitor… I’d love to fight them all.”
Bisping‘s reasons are more than just revenge, and there is a sense the Brit simply believes he is better than each opponent he’s fallen to. “I’d love to get another crack. After every loss I’ve gone back to the drawing board, so to speak, figured out what went wrong, and I’ve come back as a better fighter.”
Bisping clearly has vengeance on the mind when it comes to names in the loss column. But the statements go beyond that and into a realm of brash self-assuredness that makes “The Count” both loved and loathed in the MMA community.
Dan Henderson? I know I’d definitely take care of him. Chael? I beat him the first time, but I’d make it even more unanimous in the second. Vitor? I was doing very well until I got caught with a head kick, so I’ve adjusted for that as well. I believe I could beat everyone that has beaten me up until now.
All credit should go to Bisping for having the confidence to stand up to men who bested him once before.
That said, it seems like focusing on the probable contenders that could stand in the way of his next title shot makes more sense than focusing on revenge.
Mark Munoz has been rumored to be a likely contender matchup for Bisping, but the Brit is quick to point out that there is no official fight yet.
Bisping also took the opportunity to shrug off Costa Philippou‘s remarks during the MMA Hour that the Englishman’s path the the title included taking on the Cypriot. “Costa Philippou is doing well. He’s won four or five I think, and good for him, but he’s not in a position to be making claims that I have to go through him.”
Bisping‘s remarks are fun and fodder for journalists and fans alike, but his willingness to back them up are what makes him a commodity for the UFC. A fight between “The Count” and either Munoz or Philippou would mean strong ratings for the organization.
However, Bisping should consider the fact he has failed to best a consensus Top 10 fighter yet in his career.
Brian Stann was the closest to a consensus Top 10 fighter Bisping defeated, but the military veteran was ranked anywhere from No. 8 to No. 12 in various rankings. All of his victories have been over fighters outside the Top 10 rankings.
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