UFC Fight Night 84: Emotional Michael Bisping thanks Anderson Silva, says he once ‘worshipped’ the Brazilian

Michael Bisping reached the top of his own mixed martial arts (MMA) mountain when he learned that he had defeated former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC Fight Night 84 today (Sat., Feb. 27, 2016).
“The Count…

Michael Bisping reached the top of his own mixed martial arts (MMA) mountain when he learned that he had defeated former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC Fight Night 84 today (Sat., Feb. 27, 2016).

“The Count” was awarded the unanimous-decision victory (video) before a cheering crowd inside O2 Arena in London, England. It was an extremely entertaining contest that had its moments of violence, blood and controversy.

To watch Michael Bisping vs. Anderson Silva full fight video highlights right now click here.

Bisping, who turns 37 years old tomorrow, used his post-fight speech as a way to say thank you to his onetime idol, “The Spider”:

“I worshipped this guy. This guy is the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time. That’s why I’m so emotional right now. This has been a lifelong quest. Anderson, I know I said things .. the respect I have for you, you cannot measure. You inspired me. When I started, I was a young, cocky kid. I’d say things I’d regret and then I’d take a look at this guy and say, ‘wow, I wanna be like that guy.’ Anderson, thank you.”

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 3 winner set the pace to this bout (recap) from the start, landing crisp boxing combinations. He stood tall under the bright lights and consistently pressed forward.

Bisping even knocked the Brazilian down with a left hand towards the end of the second frame.

However, Silva eventually unleashed his usual theatrics for the audience in attendance “across the pond” and found his rhythm, landing a powerful knee strike to the head of Bisping, which sent the hometown hero crashing to the canvas at the end of round three.

In the end, it would be Bisping who was given the unanimous-decision victory from the judges. He is now the owner of a three-fight win streak, which should usher his name into title conversations.

Silva wasn’t as much of a happy camper, but still thanked the London crowd.

For complete coverage of the entire UFC Fight Night 84 card, including post-fight recaps and analysis, click here.