The Count’ Michael Bisping, the iconic British MMA fighter has long been admired for his unrivaled cardio in the UFC. Known for his ability to outlast opponents in grueling, high-paced bouts, Bisping’s fitness was one of the cornerstones of his successful career. Now, the UFC Hall of Famer has revealed the astonishing secret behind his cardio.
Michael Bisping’s Cardio
He has a resting heart rate of just 32 beats per minute (bpm)—an incredibly low number even for elite endurance athletes. To put this into perspective, the average resting heart rate for most adults ranges between 60 and 100 bpm. Athletes, especially those in endurance sports, typically fall between 40 and 60 bpm, with elite marathon runners like Eliud Kipchoge and Mo Farah reporting a resting heart rate of 33 bpm. A heart rate of 32 bpm, as Bisping’s, is on par with the world’s best.
Michael Bisping’s legendary cardio was developed over years of relentless training. He began his martial arts journey at the age of 8, and his career in the UFC spanned 29 fights— tying him for the most appearances in UFC history. His endurance was showcased by his record-breaking cage time of over 6 hours, the second-longest in the organization’s history.
One of Bisping’s most iconic moments came at UFC 199, where he made history by becoming the first British fighter to win a UFC Championship. He achieved this feat by defeating Luke Rockhold via knockout, despite taking the fight on short notice. He successfully defended his title later that year in a five-round contest against Dan Henderson.
Bisping’s legendary fitness was the result of a holistic training approach, incorporating explosive power exercises, strength training, and high-intensity cardio sessions.