Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
At the UFC 159 co-main event, Michael Bisping dominated Alan Belcher in a three-round technical-decision victory. The win for Bisping was much needed, as he was coming off an unfortunate knockout loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX 7 in January.
During Saturday’s fight, “The Count” used his superior footwork to avoid Belcher’s power and pepper him with strikes from the outside. Although the fight was officially ended by an accidental eye poke, the stoppage mercifully saved the battered Belcher from incurring more of Bisping’s brutal attack.
Bisping looked to be in peak condition and could have easily kept up his relentless pace for five rounds. By virtue of his dynamic performance Saturday night, Bisping showed the MMA world that he is deserving of taking on a top contender for his next fight.
At the post fight press conference, Bisping discussed his outstanding performance. “I felt I was well in control,” Bisping said. “I was landing big shots, I was reading all his movements. I could read him well.”
When asked about his standing in the middleweight division, Bisping was eager to point out that he is hungry for another run at the title.
“I’m 34 and I’ve still got a lot of improvements to make, and I’m still very, very hungry,” Bisping said. “I want to be world champion one day and as long as there is life in my body, I will keep trying.”
Although he did lose to Belfort, that fight was held on enemy turf in Brazil. A rematch near his home in the United Kingdom might lead to a better outcome for Bisping.
Saturday, Bisping showcased some of the highest level striking of all the contenders in the middleweight division. Bisping appeared more than ready to take another crack at Belfort and continue climbing the ladder toward a title shot.
