They say that the third time is a charm, but for Michael “The Count” Bisping, it might just be showing off.
That’s because the outspoken Brit has stated his willingness to act as a coach for the UFC’s feeder program once again, already having tutored three fighters—James Wilks, Ross Pearson and Diego Brandao—to Ultimate Fighter supremacy.
ESPN questioned Bisping about returning as a coach earlier this week:
I never say never, but the UFC hasn’t said anything to me, so maybe they’re saying never! I think maybe I’ve been rammed down people’s necks enough. But I’d certainly give it consideration. I’m a product of the Ultimate Fighter so I’m always open to it, and I’d like to be involved because of the UK v Australia thing – which is a really good concept. But I haven’t been asked yet!
Bisping, a former contestant and winner of the show himself, prevailed in the third installment of the TUF series taking home light heavyweight honors by defeating Josh Haynes by TKO in the tournament finale.
Since claiming his TUF title, The Count has gone on to be one of The Ultimate Fighter‘s most successful alums, posting a 12-4 UFC record and defeating some solid competitors along the way.
Bisping‘s next fight will come against Tim Boetsch this July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
In addition to his in-Octagon success, Bisping has become one of the sport’s biggest icons in the United Kingdom, and he seems like a natural fit to reprise his role as coach should a UK versus Australia format be rolled out.
In keeping with tradition, the UFC would have to provide an Australian middleweight to coach opposite Bisping for such a tournament. Hector Lombard, a Cuban born adopted son of the Land Down Under, seems to fit the bill.
Lombard’s first fight in the UFC is just a couple weeks after The Count’s upcoming contest, so the timing may just be right.
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