As the curtains opened on 2016, the bantamweight division seemed fairly secure, with much of the buzz coming around the return of Dominick Cruz to MMA action. The bookmakers seemed to agree - according to Sports Interaction, only Cruz and TJ Dillashaw had odds of less than +500 to end the year as champ. At that point, Cody Garbrandt was a relative unknown - nowhere near this list, which went down as far as Johnny Eduardo at +27500. By December 30, 'No Love' had cemented his name at the top of the division, and pulled off one of the most remarkable debut title fights of all time.
The question perhaps most relevant for Garbrandt is 'how do you follow the perfect year?' In terms of fights, No Love has certainly not been as active as 2016, but that is as much due to misfortune, injuries and a lack of legitimate challengers as anything within his control. However, having been thoroughly whitewashed by Dillashaw in an ill-tempered series of The Ultimate Fighter, Cody will be more determined than ever to save his talking for the cage.
This is largely due to the much publicised history between Garbrandt and Dillashaw, which originates before No Love had ever made it to the big leagues. As a youngster, Cody had developed somewhat of an obsession with bantamweight and featherweight pioneer Urijah Faber, and founder of respected gym Team Alpha Male. Despite having just a couple of professional bouts under his belt, Garbrandt was insistent that he wanted to train with Faber, as well as requesting a route into the UFC. Faber's promise - get to 5-0 and I'll get you a shot.
And so he did. A year after the promise was made, Garbrandt had fulfilled his side of the bargain, ruthlessly knocking out four of his five opponents in the first round. It was here that Garbrandt and Dillashaw would first come into contact, with the latter already six months into his title reign. However, the relationship would quickly sour between Dillashaw and the team, leading to the current ongoing feud. In the lead-up to this weekend, No Love has been very vocal about his previous exploits over Dillashaw in the gym - something that TJ has been quick to dismiss.
Regardless of the outside disputes, few can dispute the impact that Garbrandt has had on the bantamweight division is such a short period of time. Before the back injury that delayed his first title defence, No Love had been among the more active fighters in the UFC, racking up three fights in each of his first two years to take him to the summit.
Having blasted through the perennial gatekeeper Marcus Brimage, Henry Briones and Augusto Mendes, it was in early February 2016 where Garbrandt made his name with the majority of UFC fans. In a battle of the prospects, Garbrandt pitted his unbeaten record against the unblemished sheet of highly rated Brazilian star Thomas Almeida, who had been tipped as a future title-holder himself. Less than three minutes later, it was clear who the real prospect of the division was. Having comprehensively outboxed Almeida in the early stages of the round, No Love landed his now patented hammer of a right, sending the Brazilian crashing to the canvas, and Garbrandt into the rankings.
It would take one move fight to prove his worth of a title opportunity, but having breezed past Takeya Mizugaki in a brisk 48 seconds, No Love was handed a date with Dominick Cruz. Most MMA fans, myself included, felt that this was a step too far for the youngster. He couldn't do it. Cruz was unbeaten as a bantamweight, and in all fights in nearly a decade. How wrong we were.
What we saw on December 30th was the execution of a masterful gameplan by a fighter with no fear or pressure and full of confidence. The footwork and movement was something we had never seen from Garbrandt before, and was reminiscent of Cruz himself - but more effective! Despite the champion's jibes about Cody's intelligence in the lead-up to the fight - something that Dillashaw has again played on pre-UFC 217 - No Love was able to keep his head and thoroughly bamboozle the bantamweight legend, earning a deserved unanimous decision win.
A huge contributor to this success has been 11 year old Maddux Maple, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of five. From humble, and often rough, beginnings in Uhrichsville, Ohio, the pair made a pact. If Maddux promised to beat his cancer, Garbrandt would stay out of trouble and make his way into the UFC. Remarkably, both sides have held their ends of the bargain - Maddux's cancer is in remission, and Garbrandt has gone on to be one of the organisation's fastest rising stars.
At 11-0, Garbrandt is being talked about as the next Conor McGregor - but is that fair? Outside of Cruz, he has yet to be fully tested in the upper echelons in the bantamweight division. But perhaps TJ Dillashaw is the litmus test. The division certainly suffers from a lack of legitimate challengers at present, so a win over his greatest rival would solidify Garbrandt's legacy as a true champion at 135.
This is being touted - by both of the fighters involved - as the true main event. Do you agree? And how do you think the fight is going to go? Get in touch either in the comments or @TheWeighInMMA to share your thoughts.
Showing posts with label Title. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Title. Show all posts
Friday, 3 November 2017
Wednesday, 1 November 2017
UFC 217: Career Rundown - Rose Namajunas
One of the greatest nicknames is on show this weekend at UFC 217, as 'Thug' Rose Namajunas finally gets her second opportunity to compete for the UFC strawweight belt - and the first on pay-per-view.
For many a casual fan, you could be forgiven for not being overly familiar with the Milwaukee native. Whether by design or misfortune, Namajunas has often slipped under the radar, and given her quality, it is perhaps surprising that it has taken her nearly three years to secure a second shot at UFC gold.
A Taekwondo practitioner from the age of five, Rose began honing her trade early. By nine, she had added in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, making the move to Duke Roufus' much vaunted camp at just 16 years old. Having racked up a more than impressive 4-0 amateur MMA record, she was called up to the premier womens' MMA organisation Invicta for her first professional bout.
Perhaps interestingly, despite all of her striking skills, it is her brown belt in BJJ that has been most utilised during her MMA career so far. Five of her six wins have come by way of submission, including significant wins over Paige VanZant and Angela Hill.
Unlike the champion, Namajunas was selected to be a contestant on the UFC's reality series The Ultimate Fighter, as it looked to crown the champion of a new womens' division. Coming in with a record of 2-1, Rose was hardly seen as a strong contender, best illustrated by being picked fourth by coach Gilbert Melendez. It would be Hill, Tecia Torres and Emily Kagan that would be picked ahead of Namajunas - having already beaten Kagan, Rose would go on to beat the other two later in her so far fledgling career.
This low ranking would have little impact on the self-proclaimed 'Thug'. Coming through her qualifying round with a first round submission of Alex Chambers, she would complete further tap out victories over fellow UFC veterans Joanne Calderwood and Randa Markos. However, the run would end in the UFC's first strawweight title bout, where Namajunas would suffer a submission defeat of her own to Carla Esparza.
It does surprise me that for all of the contenders for Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Namajunas' name has never really been in the picture, despite her stellar wins both in the Ultimate Fighter and the UFC. She has perhaps been the victim of poor timing, with her initial title defeat preventing her from immediately challenging, while her loss to Karolina Kowalkiewicz cost her the opportunity for the shot at UFC 205.
Having been a recognisable name since the inception of the UFC's strawweight division, it's easy to forget that Namajunas is only 25 years old. As a result, UFC 217 will not be the defining moment for her, whether she wins or loses, and she can go into the Octagon in New York City with no pressure on her shoulders. Despite her strong striking background, there can be little doubt that the champion holds a distinct advantage in the stand-up, but take the fight to the ground, and it becomes an entirely different ball game.
Understandably the odds going into the fight are considerably in the champion's favour, but how do you see the fight going? Get in touch either in the comments or @TheWeighInMMA.
For many a casual fan, you could be forgiven for not being overly familiar with the Milwaukee native. Whether by design or misfortune, Namajunas has often slipped under the radar, and given her quality, it is perhaps surprising that it has taken her nearly three years to secure a second shot at UFC gold.
A Taekwondo practitioner from the age of five, Rose began honing her trade early. By nine, she had added in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, making the move to Duke Roufus' much vaunted camp at just 16 years old. Having racked up a more than impressive 4-0 amateur MMA record, she was called up to the premier womens' MMA organisation Invicta for her first professional bout.
Perhaps interestingly, despite all of her striking skills, it is her brown belt in BJJ that has been most utilised during her MMA career so far. Five of her six wins have come by way of submission, including significant wins over Paige VanZant and Angela Hill.
Unlike the champion, Namajunas was selected to be a contestant on the UFC's reality series The Ultimate Fighter, as it looked to crown the champion of a new womens' division. Coming in with a record of 2-1, Rose was hardly seen as a strong contender, best illustrated by being picked fourth by coach Gilbert Melendez. It would be Hill, Tecia Torres and Emily Kagan that would be picked ahead of Namajunas - having already beaten Kagan, Rose would go on to beat the other two later in her so far fledgling career.
This low ranking would have little impact on the self-proclaimed 'Thug'. Coming through her qualifying round with a first round submission of Alex Chambers, she would complete further tap out victories over fellow UFC veterans Joanne Calderwood and Randa Markos. However, the run would end in the UFC's first strawweight title bout, where Namajunas would suffer a submission defeat of her own to Carla Esparza.
It does surprise me that for all of the contenders for Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Namajunas' name has never really been in the picture, despite her stellar wins both in the Ultimate Fighter and the UFC. She has perhaps been the victim of poor timing, with her initial title defeat preventing her from immediately challenging, while her loss to Karolina Kowalkiewicz cost her the opportunity for the shot at UFC 205.
Having been a recognisable name since the inception of the UFC's strawweight division, it's easy to forget that Namajunas is only 25 years old. As a result, UFC 217 will not be the defining moment for her, whether she wins or loses, and she can go into the Octagon in New York City with no pressure on her shoulders. Despite her strong striking background, there can be little doubt that the champion holds a distinct advantage in the stand-up, but take the fight to the ground, and it becomes an entirely different ball game.
Understandably the odds going into the fight are considerably in the champion's favour, but how do you see the fight going? Get in touch either in the comments or @TheWeighInMMA.
Tuesday, 17 January 2017
UFC: Top 10 Title Fights
As the world's premier MMA organisation, the UFC has delivered some of the best title fights in the sport. With recent years seeing the sport expand to include 10 weight divisions, there have been a number of outstanding and memorable clashes.
Below are my top 10 title fights in the UFC:
10. Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen - UFC 117
The first fight on the list involves the greatest of all time, but it's not the Brazilian at his imperious best. Instead, I've gone with his first fight with legendary trash talker Chael Sonnen, who had talked openly about how he would destroy The Spider in the lead up to the fight.
And for four rounds, it seemed that the American had got his tactics spot on, putting the Brazilian on his back and controlling the pace and striking battle. As we entered the final two minutes, it looked more than likely that Sonnen would complete the unthinkable, ending the three year title reign of Silva. However, a momentary lack of concentration allowed Silva to lock in a triangle choke from which the American had to tap.
9. Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo - UFC 194
While not the longest title fight in the UFC, it is certainly one of the more memorable. The build-up was so heated and protracted, with the Brazilian pulling out on the fight on at least one occasion, and McGregor utilising his own brand of mental warfare. With Aldo unbeaten in more than 10 years, and the Irishman the fighter on the rise, it was seen to be the biggest fight in the history of the organisation.
And in a flash, it was over. A side step and a counter left, followed by two hammer fists, and Aldo was out. In thirteen seconds, McGregor had taken his place at the top of the featherweight division, and cemented his legacy as 'Mystic Mac'.
8. Michael Bisping vs Dan Henderson - UFC 204
This blog is unapologetically subjective, and quite frankly, this one's on the list because I was there! The atmosphere in the sold-out Manchester Arena was absolutely spine-tingling as the home-town champion made his way to the Octagon, with a similarly expressive response in the negative for Hendo.
The fight itself certainly lived up to the hype, with the H-bomb playing a central role in putting Bisping on the floor twice in the first two rounds. However, with the overwhelming support of the crowd, the champion rallied to pick the veteran apart for the remainder of the fight. The noise as the unanimous decision win was announced was something extraordinary, and a moment I will never forget.
7. Georges St Pierre vs Johny Hendricks - UFC 167
The first welterweight fight on this list is undoubtedly one of the most controversial in UFC history. Having racked up an astonishing 2,204 day title reign in the hotly contested welterweight division, including an 11-fight win streak, Georges St Pierre had cemented himself as arguably the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter of all time.
That meant little to Big Rigg. Having claimed the first round, the challenger staggered St Pierre early in the second, leaving him firmly on the defensive and his face a mess. Only effective jabs by the champion prevented a 10-8 round, with St Pierre recovering to take the third. Despite this, Hendricks clearly maintained grappling control in the fourth, meaning that even with a GSP final round, the decision should have been his. However, the judges clearly saw enough from the champion to allow him the split decision win, much to the approval of the partisan home crowd.
6. Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin - UFC 116
Nothing said 'baddest man on the planet' more than this fight in 2009. After a disappointing and controversial loss to Frank Mir in his opening bout, Lesnar had revolutionised the heavyweight division since joining the UFC, claiming the title in just his third fight. In the meantime, Carwin had built up an impressive 12-0 record, becoming known as one of the hardest hitters in all of combat sports.
None of Carwin's fights had ever got out of the first round, and this one barely managed that. Carwin rocked Lesnar early in the fight, and only some strong refereeing from Josh Rozenthal kept it going, with the undefeated fighter pounding on the champion for three full minutes. However, it became apparent in the second round that the challenger was exhausted, allowing Lesnar to take him down and secure an arm triangle to retain.
5. Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm - UFC 193
Quite simply the biggest shock in UFC history. Having dominated the entire women's bantamweight division for nearly three years, with her previous four fights lasting a combined total of just two minutes and 10 seconds, Rousey was the overwhelming favourite going into the largest spectator event in UFC history.
However, in front of 55,000 fans at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, it was the former kickboxing champion that had the better gameplan, producing a perfect counter-punching display in the first round to frustrate the judoka. The second round continued in the same vein until Holm picked up the pace, stunning Rousey with a series of jabs, before ending the fight with a devastating head kick.
4. Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw - UFC 173
While the shock value of this fight wasn't as much as the one above, this was the moment that a young fighter came of age. It does have to be said that going in, Renan Barao was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, having gone undefeated for more than a decade, twice beating Urijah Faber, as well as victories over Eddie Wineland and Michael McDonald.
However, the former Ultimate Fighter finalist stunned the Brazilian with his unorthodox movement and consistent striking power, scoring a knockdown in the first round with a huge right hand. Despite dominating the champion for four rounds, Dillashaw refused to leave it in the hands of the judges, eventually finishing Barao with a beautiful head kick and punches combination in the fifth.
3. Dominick Cruz vs Cody Garbrandt - UFC 207
The most recent entrant to this list comes, once again, from the bantamweight division. Having returned from a career threatening injury and series of ACL surgeries, Dominick Cruz had reclaimed the title from TJ Dillashaw in February 2016, before retaining against old nemesis Urijah Faber in the summer.
While many saw Cody Garbrandt as the most dangerous opponent the champion had ever faced in terms of power, the consensus was that the challenger would let the emotions get the better of him and Cruz would take full advantage. However, the latest Alpha Male upstart put on a masterclass in movement and precision, making the usually unorthodox combinations and transitions of Cruz look almost pedestrian. Having knocked down the champion several times during the five rounds, the 25 year-old found himself with a comfortable decision win to fulfil his dream.
2. Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson - UFC 165
About as close a fight as you're ever likely to see. I know the judges get a hard time, and in the most part justifiably so, but try scoring any of the opening three rounds of this one. As we entered the championship rounds, it could just as easily have been 2-1 Jones as 2-1 Gustafsson.
With the challenger demonstrating outstanding takedown defence and catching Jones regularly with jabs, it took a typically extravagant spinning elbow from the champion in the fourth round to wobble the Swede. Gustafsson recovered remarkably to make the final round just as close as the opening three, but ultimately the judges saw it unanimously for Jones.
1. Robbie Lawler vs Rory Macdonald - UFC 189
If ever you wanted to see two humans push themselves to the limit (and beyond), this was the fight. Robbie Lawler is known for his durability, and demonstrated that once again in a battle that defines 'back and forth'. While the opening round did little to highlight the classic that this fight would become, the champion clearly claimed round two.
Despite this continuing into the third round, a single head kick changed the direction of the fight. With Lawler wobbled and hanging on, the challenger unleashed a barrage of punches and knees that was only ended by the bell. Another head kick in the fourth again had the champion in trouble, though he recovered suitably to engage in one of the most intense staredowns in combat sports at the end of the round.
With the fight likely tied at two, the final round was set to be the decider. With Lawler's jab leaving MacDonald a bloody mess by this point, a series of right hands connected in just the right spot at the beginning of the fifth, shattering the nose and the spirit of the challenger, and ensuring that the belt remained around the waist of Lawler.
What are your favourites? Let me know either in the comments section or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA
Below are my top 10 title fights in the UFC:
10. Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen - UFC 117
The first fight on the list involves the greatest of all time, but it's not the Brazilian at his imperious best. Instead, I've gone with his first fight with legendary trash talker Chael Sonnen, who had talked openly about how he would destroy The Spider in the lead up to the fight.
And for four rounds, it seemed that the American had got his tactics spot on, putting the Brazilian on his back and controlling the pace and striking battle. As we entered the final two minutes, it looked more than likely that Sonnen would complete the unthinkable, ending the three year title reign of Silva. However, a momentary lack of concentration allowed Silva to lock in a triangle choke from which the American had to tap.
9. Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo - UFC 194
While not the longest title fight in the UFC, it is certainly one of the more memorable. The build-up was so heated and protracted, with the Brazilian pulling out on the fight on at least one occasion, and McGregor utilising his own brand of mental warfare. With Aldo unbeaten in more than 10 years, and the Irishman the fighter on the rise, it was seen to be the biggest fight in the history of the organisation.
And in a flash, it was over. A side step and a counter left, followed by two hammer fists, and Aldo was out. In thirteen seconds, McGregor had taken his place at the top of the featherweight division, and cemented his legacy as 'Mystic Mac'.
8. Michael Bisping vs Dan Henderson - UFC 204
This blog is unapologetically subjective, and quite frankly, this one's on the list because I was there! The atmosphere in the sold-out Manchester Arena was absolutely spine-tingling as the home-town champion made his way to the Octagon, with a similarly expressive response in the negative for Hendo.
The fight itself certainly lived up to the hype, with the H-bomb playing a central role in putting Bisping on the floor twice in the first two rounds. However, with the overwhelming support of the crowd, the champion rallied to pick the veteran apart for the remainder of the fight. The noise as the unanimous decision win was announced was something extraordinary, and a moment I will never forget.
7. Georges St Pierre vs Johny Hendricks - UFC 167
The first welterweight fight on this list is undoubtedly one of the most controversial in UFC history. Having racked up an astonishing 2,204 day title reign in the hotly contested welterweight division, including an 11-fight win streak, Georges St Pierre had cemented himself as arguably the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter of all time.
That meant little to Big Rigg. Having claimed the first round, the challenger staggered St Pierre early in the second, leaving him firmly on the defensive and his face a mess. Only effective jabs by the champion prevented a 10-8 round, with St Pierre recovering to take the third. Despite this, Hendricks clearly maintained grappling control in the fourth, meaning that even with a GSP final round, the decision should have been his. However, the judges clearly saw enough from the champion to allow him the split decision win, much to the approval of the partisan home crowd.
6. Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin - UFC 116
Nothing said 'baddest man on the planet' more than this fight in 2009. After a disappointing and controversial loss to Frank Mir in his opening bout, Lesnar had revolutionised the heavyweight division since joining the UFC, claiming the title in just his third fight. In the meantime, Carwin had built up an impressive 12-0 record, becoming known as one of the hardest hitters in all of combat sports.
None of Carwin's fights had ever got out of the first round, and this one barely managed that. Carwin rocked Lesnar early in the fight, and only some strong refereeing from Josh Rozenthal kept it going, with the undefeated fighter pounding on the champion for three full minutes. However, it became apparent in the second round that the challenger was exhausted, allowing Lesnar to take him down and secure an arm triangle to retain.
5. Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm - UFC 193
Quite simply the biggest shock in UFC history. Having dominated the entire women's bantamweight division for nearly three years, with her previous four fights lasting a combined total of just two minutes and 10 seconds, Rousey was the overwhelming favourite going into the largest spectator event in UFC history.
However, in front of 55,000 fans at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, it was the former kickboxing champion that had the better gameplan, producing a perfect counter-punching display in the first round to frustrate the judoka. The second round continued in the same vein until Holm picked up the pace, stunning Rousey with a series of jabs, before ending the fight with a devastating head kick.
4. Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw - UFC 173
While the shock value of this fight wasn't as much as the one above, this was the moment that a young fighter came of age. It does have to be said that going in, Renan Barao was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, having gone undefeated for more than a decade, twice beating Urijah Faber, as well as victories over Eddie Wineland and Michael McDonald.
However, the former Ultimate Fighter finalist stunned the Brazilian with his unorthodox movement and consistent striking power, scoring a knockdown in the first round with a huge right hand. Despite dominating the champion for four rounds, Dillashaw refused to leave it in the hands of the judges, eventually finishing Barao with a beautiful head kick and punches combination in the fifth.
3. Dominick Cruz vs Cody Garbrandt - UFC 207
The most recent entrant to this list comes, once again, from the bantamweight division. Having returned from a career threatening injury and series of ACL surgeries, Dominick Cruz had reclaimed the title from TJ Dillashaw in February 2016, before retaining against old nemesis Urijah Faber in the summer.
While many saw Cody Garbrandt as the most dangerous opponent the champion had ever faced in terms of power, the consensus was that the challenger would let the emotions get the better of him and Cruz would take full advantage. However, the latest Alpha Male upstart put on a masterclass in movement and precision, making the usually unorthodox combinations and transitions of Cruz look almost pedestrian. Having knocked down the champion several times during the five rounds, the 25 year-old found himself with a comfortable decision win to fulfil his dream.
2. Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson - UFC 165
About as close a fight as you're ever likely to see. I know the judges get a hard time, and in the most part justifiably so, but try scoring any of the opening three rounds of this one. As we entered the championship rounds, it could just as easily have been 2-1 Jones as 2-1 Gustafsson.
With the challenger demonstrating outstanding takedown defence and catching Jones regularly with jabs, it took a typically extravagant spinning elbow from the champion in the fourth round to wobble the Swede. Gustafsson recovered remarkably to make the final round just as close as the opening three, but ultimately the judges saw it unanimously for Jones.
1. Robbie Lawler vs Rory Macdonald - UFC 189
If ever you wanted to see two humans push themselves to the limit (and beyond), this was the fight. Robbie Lawler is known for his durability, and demonstrated that once again in a battle that defines 'back and forth'. While the opening round did little to highlight the classic that this fight would become, the champion clearly claimed round two.
Despite this continuing into the third round, a single head kick changed the direction of the fight. With Lawler wobbled and hanging on, the challenger unleashed a barrage of punches and knees that was only ended by the bell. Another head kick in the fourth again had the champion in trouble, though he recovered suitably to engage in one of the most intense staredowns in combat sports at the end of the round.
With the fight likely tied at two, the final round was set to be the decider. With Lawler's jab leaving MacDonald a bloody mess by this point, a series of right hands connected in just the right spot at the beginning of the fifth, shattering the nose and the spirit of the challenger, and ensuring that the belt remained around the waist of Lawler.
What are your favourites? Let me know either in the comments section or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA
Friday, 13 January 2017
MMA Awards 2017: The Case For... Michael Bisping
It's been a busy year for The Count, during
which he has achieved feats the majority of the MMA world thought impossible. I'm sure there are occasions where even he may have felt his dreams were going to elude him, but in typical stoic British fashion, he overcame his hurdles and ends the year atop arguably the most stacked division in the UFC. With the top 10 containing the likes of Romero, Weidman, Rockhold, Jacare, Mousasi, Silva and Whittaker, it's a real murderer's row for any potential champion.
If the state of the division plays in Bisping's favour, it makes it all the more impressive that the Brit won all three of his fights over the course of 2016. And it's not like he was fighting mid-carders. Both Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson are MMA legends, and while the argument could be made that they are perhaps not at the same level that they were in years past, these were the battles that gave him the most trouble. And no matter who you're fighting, a title fight is never easy.
In comparison to the other fighters on the shortlist, both Donald Cerrone and Cody Garbrandt have better records at 4-0, but barring the recent title fight for Cody at UFC 207, the level of competition has been the lower end of the top-10 rather than title contenders. Conor McGregor lost spectacularly to Nate Diaz, and while the fight did take place outside the Irishman's natural weight-class, Diaz is hardly a natural welterweight, and had taken the fight on 10 days' notice. Only Stipe Miocic can match the Brit in terms of both record and level of opponents faced, with Arlovski, Werdum and Overeem all of the highest calibre.
However, it was the way in which Bisping won each of his fights that really sets him apart from his competition. If there is one thing we've learnt about The Count this year, it's that he never does it the easy way. He took his title fight against Rockhold on 11 days' notice, walking straight off a movie set to knock the champion out in the first round. Meanwhile, in both the Silva and Henderson fights, the Brit found himself in deep trouble, only to find the inner strength and resilience to not only fight on, but win on both occasions.
In comparison, Miocic has spent a sum total of eight minutes and nineteen seconds inside the Octagon this year, with none of his fights making it out of the first round. While that is impressive in itself, the heavyweight champ has spent the majority of the time in a dominant position, and despite being clipped by Overeem, has not had to battle through the same adversity as Bisping throughout the year.
The Brit's fighting style has also seen drastic improvement this year, with his now legendary cardio backed up by first class head movement and a left hook that put both Silva and Rockhold on the canvas. In addition, it certainly seems like Bisping has added patience to his game this year. Despite the flailing limbs and antics of Silva designed to distract, Bisping remained calm and composed in the opening rounds, with his only mistake leading to the flying knee that nearly shut his lights off. This same patience has allowed him to mix up his striking and try new techniques, with the switch kick utilised frequently against Henderson a newer move to the arsenal.
There is also the sense that Bisping has had the fight won in the pre-show exchanges, making a name for himself as one of the most notorious trash-talkers in the sport today. While he may not be as charismatic as the original 'Notorious One' McGregor, and perhaps is not as creative with his barbs, there can be little doubt that the Mancunian has a way of getting under his opponent's skin. In the lead up to the Rockhold fight, you could feel the tension and anger radiating off the champion during press engagements, eventually losing his cool with the challenger at the pre-fight conference. With Rockhold emotional and over-confident, Bisping took full advantage to shock the MMA world.
In comparison to the other fighters on the shortlist, both Donald Cerrone and Cody Garbrandt have better records at 4-0, but barring the recent title fight for Cody at UFC 207, the level of competition has been the lower end of the top-10 rather than title contenders. Conor McGregor lost spectacularly to Nate Diaz, and while the fight did take place outside the Irishman's natural weight-class, Diaz is hardly a natural welterweight, and had taken the fight on 10 days' notice. Only Stipe Miocic can match the Brit in terms of both record and level of opponents faced, with Arlovski, Werdum and Overeem all of the highest calibre.
However, it was the way in which Bisping won each of his fights that really sets him apart from his competition. If there is one thing we've learnt about The Count this year, it's that he never does it the easy way. He took his title fight against Rockhold on 11 days' notice, walking straight off a movie set to knock the champion out in the first round. Meanwhile, in both the Silva and Henderson fights, the Brit found himself in deep trouble, only to find the inner strength and resilience to not only fight on, but win on both occasions.
In comparison, Miocic has spent a sum total of eight minutes and nineteen seconds inside the Octagon this year, with none of his fights making it out of the first round. While that is impressive in itself, the heavyweight champ has spent the majority of the time in a dominant position, and despite being clipped by Overeem, has not had to battle through the same adversity as Bisping throughout the year.
The Brit's fighting style has also seen drastic improvement this year, with his now legendary cardio backed up by first class head movement and a left hook that put both Silva and Rockhold on the canvas. In addition, it certainly seems like Bisping has added patience to his game this year. Despite the flailing limbs and antics of Silva designed to distract, Bisping remained calm and composed in the opening rounds, with his only mistake leading to the flying knee that nearly shut his lights off. This same patience has allowed him to mix up his striking and try new techniques, with the switch kick utilised frequently against Henderson a newer move to the arsenal.
There is also the sense that Bisping has had the fight won in the pre-show exchanges, making a name for himself as one of the most notorious trash-talkers in the sport today. While he may not be as charismatic as the original 'Notorious One' McGregor, and perhaps is not as creative with his barbs, there can be little doubt that the Mancunian has a way of getting under his opponent's skin. In the lead up to the Rockhold fight, you could feel the tension and anger radiating off the champion during press engagements, eventually losing his cool with the challenger at the pre-fight conference. With Rockhold emotional and over-confident, Bisping took full advantage to shock the MMA world.
Nevertheless, Matt Hughes famously said "you're not a true champion until you defend your belt". Having campaigned for a revenge rematch against Dan Henderson, who brutally KO'd the Brit at UFC 100, the fact that the bout took place at Bisping's home arena in Manchester added further pressure to that first title fight as champ. While some may argue that home advantage is exactly that, the expectation of the crowd can also be a hindrance. Add in the fact that Bisping had to walk through two H-bombs, and his unanimous decision win was more than a little impressive.
And so, ten years after he entered the Octagon in The Ultimate Fighter, the Brit has beaten the greatest of all time, put an full stop on a bitter and storied rivalry, as well as ending the career of a legend, and claimed UFC gold in his first title fight - and on short notice at that. If that's not deserving of recognition, I'm not sure what is.
As always, share your thoughts with me in the comments section below, or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA
And so, ten years after he entered the Octagon in The Ultimate Fighter, the Brit has beaten the greatest of all time, put an full stop on a bitter and storied rivalry, as well as ending the career of a legend, and claimed UFC gold in his first title fight - and on short notice at that. If that's not deserving of recognition, I'm not sure what is.
As always, share your thoughts with me in the comments section below, or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA
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