The UFC on FX 7 event features only one meaningful fight in terms of a title picture, and that is the middleweight contest between Vitor Belfort and Michael Bisping.
Belfort is coming off a loss but that was after stepping in on short notice to face UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. He’ll have the fan support both in Brazil and outside the country as fans tune in, hoping to see the English bad boy get his head taken off.
Bisping has done a lot of talking, heading into the bout, and that’s likely due to him being the only fighter to promote the event. It’s also likely due to the fact that with a win against Belfort, Bisping will find himself in the driver’s seat to face UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
For this reason, Bisping is the fighter with the most to gain at the UFC on FX 7 event.
Bisping has been here before. At UFC 100, after coaching opposite Dan Henderson on The Ultimate Fighter, Bisping just had to get past the aging Pride veteran and would likely find himself near the front of the line for a title shot.
As we all know, Bisping circled straight into a H-Bomb, and it was lights out for the Englishman and his title hopes.
A tough decision loss to Wanderlei Silva effectively ended any talk of Bisping being considered a title contender. But instead of giving up, Bisping worked his way back into title contention, and faced former title challenger Chael Sonnen at the UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis event.
Bisping fought a tough fight but had no answer for the wrestling ability of Sonnen. Once again, Bisping saw his chances at a world title come up short.
Now, the English bad boy finds himself in position to secure another world title shot. The only thing standing in his way is another aging veteran with a big name and big, powerful punches. At 33 years of age and with nine years of MMA experience, Bisping may not get another chance at earning an UFC title shot.
Having the chance at a fighter’s dream, an UFC title shot, makes Bisping the fighter with the most to gain, let alone it may be his last chance at that dream.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com