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[POINDEXTER]

by John Morgan on Aug 03, 2008 at 12:20 pm ET



Michael BispingUFC middleweight Michael Bisping (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will get his second shot at headlining a card at October's UFC 89 event in his native England. And while Bisping's first headlining gig netted him his only career loss to date against Rashad Evans, "The Count" thinks this time will be different.

Bisping discussed his upcoming bout with Chris Leben while a guest on a special weekend edition of TAGG Radio (TAGG Radio Network - Home of TAGG Radio & The Lights Out Show!), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com).

"I've got respect for [Leben]," Bisping said. "But I'm going to go straight through him. That's what I'm made to do."

The fight will be Bisping's third in the middleweight division. The Liverpool native started his career at 205 pounds, but he made the decision to move down a weight class after suffering the lone loss of his career.

"I only had one loss at 205 (pounds)," Bisping said. "But in the UFC I wasn't beating my opponents like I would like to beat them.

"When I was in the U.K., the light heavyweights are a little smaller than what they are here in the States. I was running straight through guys. I only had one loss, but I wasn't beating [my opponents] as I would like to beat them. So I said to myself, 'When I get beat, I'll drop down.'

"I lost a split decision to Rashad (Evans), so I dropped down. I think that's one of the best things I ever did for my whole career. I feel faster, stronger."

After first-round TKO victories over Charles McCarthy and Jason Day, Bisping now looks to take another step forward in the division against the heavy-handed Leben. Bisping knows that Leben will present a stern challenge.

"Most people, when they talk about Chris Leben, they say he's a brawler and things like that," Bisping said. "Sure, he may like to brawl. But he's got legitimate skills. You can't fight in the UFC as long as he has and be around the MMA scene that long without picking up all the necessary skills.

"He's got a decent ground game, decent wrestling. He's got decent striking. He looks very unorthodox the way he fights, but obviously, it works for him. He's beaten a lot of fighters."

Both fighters are known for their brawling, aggressive stand-up styles. Bisping thinks the fight should be a treat for the fans.

"Everyone knows how hard he hits, and people talk about his iron chin," Bisping said. "I think he's going to come out swinging, and I'm going to do the same. I think it's going to be a great fight for the fans.

"I think if I go in there and bring my 'A' game I can beat him. I'm expecting a good fight."

The UFC's middleweight division has been dominated by current champion Anderson Silva for two years. Bisping says he's still learning, but he hopes for a shot at Silva with another few victories.

"I'm learning all the time," Bisping said. "I've still got things I want to work on. but I'm happy with the progress I've made. Every few months that go by, I'm getting better and better. Maybe if I keep winning two or three more fights, which would be a year, hopefully I'll get [a title shot]."

Before Bisping can look to take on the champion, he knows he must get through Leben. Bisping has a simple prediction for the fight.

"I predict I'm going to win," Bisping said of his bout with Leben. "On Oct. 18, he's just another opponent that's going to get his ass kicked."

Source

I like watching Bisping fight, but I think Leben has more the a fair chance of knocking this bloke out.

[jrube]

Michael Bisping plans to go "straight through" Chris Leben | MMAjunkie.com

Michael Bisping plans to go "straight through" Chris Leben
by John Morgan on Aug 03, 2008 at 12:20 pm ET
Michael BispingUFC middleweight Michael Bisping (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will get his second shot at headlining a card at October's UFC 89 event in his native England. And while Bisping's first headlining gig netted him his only career loss to date against Rashad Evans, "The Count" thinks this time will be different.

Bisping discussed his upcoming bout with Chris Leben while a guest on a special weekend edition of TAGG Radio (TAGG Radio Network - Home of TAGG Radio & The Lights Out Show!), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com).

"I've got respect for [Leben]," Bisping said. "But I'm going to go straight through him. That's what I'm made to do."

The fight will be Bisping's third in the middleweight division. The Liverpool native started his career at 205 pounds, but he made the decision to move down a weight class after suffering the lone loss of his career.

"I only had one loss at 205 (pounds)," Bisping said. "But in the UFC I wasn't beating my opponents like I would like to beat them.

"When I was in the U.K., the light heavyweights are a little smaller than what they are here in the States. I was running straight through guys. I only had one loss, but I wasn't beating [my opponents] as I would like to beat them. So I said to myself, 'When I get beat, I'll drop down.'

"I lost a split decision to Rashad (Evans), so I dropped down. I think that's one of the best things I ever did for my whole career. I feel faster, stronger."

After first-round TKO victories over Charles McCarthy and Jason Day, Bisping now looks to take another step forward in the division against the heavy-handed Leben. Bisping knows that Leben will present a stern challenge.

"Most people, when they talk about Chris Leben, they say he's a brawler and things like that," Bisping said. "Sure, he may like to brawl. But he's got legitimate skills. You can't fight in the UFC as long as he has and be around the MMA scene that long without picking up all the necessary skills.

"He's got a decent ground game, decent wrestling. He's got decent striking. He looks very unorthodox the way he fights, but obviously, it works for him. He's beaten a lot of fighters."

Both fighters are known for their brawling, aggressive stand-up styles. Bisping thinks the fight should be a treat for the fans.

"Everyone knows how hard he hits, and people talk about his iron chin," Bisping said. "I think he's going to come out swinging, and I'm going to do the same. I think it's going to be a great fight for the fans.

"I think if I go in there and bring my 'A' game I can beat him. I'm expecting a good fight."

The UFC's middleweight division has been dominated by current champion Anderson Silva for two years. Bisping says he's still learning, but he hopes for a shot at Silva with another few victories.

"I'm learning all the time," Bisping said. "I've still got things I want to work on. but I'm happy with the progress I've made. Every few months that go by, I'm getting better and better. Maybe if I keep winning two or three more fights, which would be a year, hopefully I'll get [a title shot]."

Before Bisping can look to take on the champion, he knows he must get through Leben. Bisping has a simple prediction for the fight.

"I predict I'm going to win," Bisping said of his bout with Leben. "On Oct. 18, he's just another opponent that's going to get his ass kicked."

I am actually really starting to like Bisping, and think he is going to be a real force to be reckoned with at 185lb's... He is a really well rounded fighter, and will eventual contend for that title.

[POINDEXTER]

I just posted this a few minutes before you. We gotta merge 'em.

[jrube]

Originally Posted by POINDEXTER

I just posted this a few minutes before you. We gotta merge 'em.

You dog!!! hahahaha beat me to the punch! I will rep your post...

[Noise Chopped]

Yea, you know, I don't...Think of Bisping as I did a couple of months back. I think it was his win over Eric Schaffer that made me pay more serious attention to'em. Wouldn't be surprised if he destroyed Chris Leben - I just hope the ending is difinitive. Don't care much for either guy, I think Vera-Jardine should be headlining - So. Whatever, hah.

Should be an exciting fight, though. At the very least.

[POINDEXTER]

Originally Posted by jrube

You dog!!! hahahaha beat me to the punch! I will rep your post...

Ha! Thanks. I think this should be a close fight. I do think Bisping brings a more strategic mindset that Leben, but we haven't seen the same kind of power from him - aside from his last fight where he was in his perhaps most dominant form. In addition, Leben has started to be more of a thinking fighter than he was in the past and still packs quite a wallop. I don't think it is the best idea for Bisping to simply stand and bang with Leben. I think Leben would be the winner in that scenario.

[lilp86]

If thats his strategy to walk right through him hes gonna get KO'd quickly. His best bet is to counter strike and try to pick Leben apart I reall think Bisping gonna get beat in fairly vicious fashion in this one. War Leben

[Diegonightmare]

Bisping is a more well rounded fighter and definitely a smarter fighter. He should be able to beat Leben. But I agree that if he tries to stand right in front of him and trade, he's going to hit the deck. His advantages over Leben don't include one-punch power.

[Bullock]

In a dream world, Bisping wins this in impressive fashion and goes on to win one more fight against a legitimate 185er before he gets a title shot at Anderson.

[tapper]

to be fair and honest neither of these guys are really that good, and would be an embarrassment as a ufc champion. jmo. this is a ufn main event at best.