Michael Bisping - UFC Middleweight Fighter

Michael Bisping was fascinated with martial arts at a young age and began training in jujustu at the age of 8.  By fifteen he was competing in “no hold barred” tournaments in England.  When he turned 18,  he decided to quit fighting and try to find steady work.  His passion for fighting would bring him back in the ring less than a year later. 

Bisping would go on to have great success as a professional kickboxer winning the North West Area title as well as the Pro British light heavyweight title.  Once again, Bisping would struggle to make ends meet and retire from fighting to pursue steady work.  Michael bounced from job to job before finally deciding to contact his old promoter to fight once again. 

In 2003 Bisping tracked down his old coach Paul Davies who was training fighters for mixed martial arts.  Davies encouraged Bisping to come to his gym spar with some of his fighters.  After one day, Davies offered to train and manage Bisping. 

Michael made his professional debut on April 4, 2004 against Steve Mathews at Pride & Glory 2: Battle of the Ages.  He won via armbar 38 seconds into the first round.  This would begin a string of MMA victories and championships in lesser organizations and in 2005 Bisping earned the nickname “The Great British Hope” by UFC.com. 

In early 2006, Bisping was chosen to be a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter.  Michael dominated his competition en route to becoming named The Ultimate Fighter season 3 light heavyweight champion.  This would begin a string of impressive victories for Bisping, including a controversial split decision victory over Matt Hamill.  On November 17, 2007 Bisping would suffer his first MMA defeat at the hands of Rashad Evans, a fellow reality show champion.  The split decision loss prompted Bisping to move down to the 185 lb weight class. 

Bisping won his first three fights at the 185 lb weight class and was selected to be a coach on the very show that started his career. Bisping would be coaching against MMA legend Dan Henderson.  The winner of this fight will likely get a title shot against Anderson Silva sometime next year.  The fact that the 185 lb weight class is dominated by Silva makes one wonder what Bisping was thinking when he moved down a weight class. 

Michael Bisping is a fan favorite.  His personality, heart and conditioning make him very easy to like.  He has proven he has what it takes to be a champion, but the path to the top of the 185 lb division is full of MMA legends and up and coming stars. 

Name - Michael Bisping 

Born-February 28, 1979

Height-6’1”

Weight-185

MMA Record 18-1 

Bisping's Island - Pretty funny video