Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold hate each other.
The animosity between the two UFC middleweights is almost palpable whenever they appear together for their pre-fight media obligations. The two have drummed up quite a bit of publicity for their upcoming grudge match at UFC Fight Night 55 in Sydney, despite the fact that neither are particularly well-liked.
Bisping has often been pegged as a choker in the 185lb division. The UFC desperately wanted the Count to get that elusive middleweight title shot so that they could tap into the British market. Unfortunately for the promotion, he has lost two title fight eliminators in his UFC career, to Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen respectively. While he went through a phase of always being on the cusp of getting a crack at the belt, it just never happened for him.
Bisping's main attribute is his ability to promote fights. The former Cage Warriors champ has a knack for building up excitement for his bouts through his brash-mouthed trash-talking of his opponents. However, there seems to be little difference between the fans who tune in to see Michael Bisping fight, and those who just want to see him lose.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG0dxeXORsM
His acerbic tongue, his cockiness and the fact that his form has waned in recent bouts has made Bisping one of the most called-out fighters in the middleweight division. One of these fighters who have had the Count in their sights for a while now is Luke Rockhold.
Out For The Count
The former Strikeforce champion came extremely close to title contention after signing for the UFC. Rockhold fell victim to Vitor Belfort's thunderous head kick in his promotional debut. Belfort has since been granted a shot at Chris Weidman's belt and the pair will throw down in February.
Considering how talented Rockhold is, it is surprising that he doesn't have a larger fanbase. Rockhold's strike-heavy style often produces highlight-reel knockouts and his prowess on the ground has earned him some spectacular submissions. However, for one reason or another, he just isn't the star that he should be.
This can partly be attributed to the way he carries himself in interviews. His reactions to Bisping's goading in the build up to this fight has sparked interest in the fight, but it hasn't necessarily gained Rockhold any fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5ytOGAweAM
Both fighters have a lot on the line going into this bout. Rockhold reportedly turned down a clash with former UFC champ Lyoto Machida in favour of fighting Bisping. A win against the Dragon would have all but guaranteed him the next title fight after Belfort. A loss in Sydney will see him drift further away from the title frame.
The stakes are way higher for Bisping. A win would arguably propel him right back into title contention following his impressive victory over Cung Le in China. On the other hand, a loss would see him go 3-4 in his last seven contests which would virtually end any chance the 35-year-old has of launching another run at the UFC belt and could result in his retirement.
https://twitter.com/LukeRockhold/status/492390441984065536
With tensions running high between both fighters, this fight should provide a more than adequate main event for the Aussie crowd.
UFC Fight Night 55's main card kicks off on Saturday November 8 from 3 am Irish time. Ireland's Neil Seery takes on Richie Vaculik on the undercard which begins at 12:30 am
