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UFC UK head: Bisping vs. Leben to headline UFC 89

by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Jun 27, 2008 at 10:47 am ET

A bout between "The Ultimate Fighter 3" winner Michael Bisping (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) and veteran UFC middleweight Chris Leben (18-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC) will headline a recently announced UFC 89 event.

Marshall Zelaznik, the head of the UFC's UK division, made the announcement this week on Setanta News Ultimate Talk Show, a weekly UFC news show that airs on the U.K.'s Setanta Television.

UFC 89 takes place Oct. 18 at The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England.

Zelaznik said that both competitors have agreed to the fight, though he didn't clarify if bout agreements have been signed.

Bisping and Leben had been scheduled for a June 7 event in London. However, Leben was forced off the card when he had to serve jail time for a probation violation stemming from an earlier DUI arrest.

Bisping, England's most popular UFC fighter, suffered his first career defeat this past November in a split-decision loss to Rashad Evans. He's since rebounded for first-round knockouts of Charles McCarthy and Jason Day. He'll now fight in a UFC-England event for the fourth time.

Leben, a production of the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter," hit a recent skid when he suffered three losses in the span of four fights. However, he recently scored a third-round knockout of Terry Martin and a first-round TKO of Alessio Sakara.

For the latest on UFC 89, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com)

Comments: 230

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fuego on Jun 27, 2008 at 10:55 am ET

That's really a poor headline, but it will be worth it when Bisping gets knocked out.

FACELESSMAN on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:19 am ET

i agree

Kingdom on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:48 am ET

As always the haters come out for every fight, but it just seems to me that you Yanks cant stand it when a UK fighter is actually giving your guys a good hiding! Typical!

His last 2 fights he has been awesome, so why now do you think someone of Lebens calibre will come close to even upsetting him. There are always people on this forum who know nothing at all about MMA, have watched 1 fight and thats what its all about hahaha.

Makes me chuckle, Bisping Unanimous Decision if not 3rd rnd TKO.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:01 pm ET

You must've eaten too many crumpets bro, Bisping's last fight was against a Canadian.

xXCLOSXx on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:26 pm ET

Bisping is a great fighter. I think they are just trying to ease him into the top dogs because he will most likely represent the sport as a top star one day. I do not believe Bisping would do well AT THE MOMENT, against guys the calibur of Franklin & Hendo. Leben should be a worthy test & he'll be fighting A-listers in no time.
The fact that you guys are making this a racist thing is sort of sad. It's 2 warriors that are going to fight, nothing more. It has nothing to do where they are from. The best man will win. Grow up kids.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 3:14 pm ET

It's pretty short-sighted to suggest that it doesn't matter where a fighter is from. It clearly matters quite a bit to the UFC that Michael Bisping is from the UK, because he is really the only homegrown British fighter with very much potential on their roster, not to mention the fact that winning TUF has given him marketing that they really couldn't buy. Notice that the UFC didn't attempt to enter (or, reenter, during the Zuffa era) the British market until they had a marketable British fighter under contract. The UFC clearly has a vested interest in building Bisping for a title shot.

And, I'll say it again, after 7 fights in the UFC, why isn't Bisping being thrown the wolves, like virtually everyone else in the UFC? I think if he's not ready for a title shot after 17 fights, he's never going to be ready.

flassassin on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:10 pm ET

There is nothing racist in comparing Bisping to Leben as they are of the same race. Do you mean nationalist?

Moose on Jun 27, 2008 at 5:36 pm ET

Bisping is a semi-talented fighter at best. He will lost to Leban and I REALLY hate saying that because Leban is an emo *** that doesnt belong in the cage. The UFC keeps throwing Bisping a bunch of fighter that nobody has ever heard of, or washed up fighters like Elvis Sinasak who Bisbing almost lost to. When ever Bisping goes up against good fighter he loses, and got his ASS KICKED by Hammill but thanks to the good people of England he got the W via Hammil getting hometowned. If Bisping was a man hed fight Hammil again, and get his ass beat again.

CanadianCrippler on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:17 pm ET

True, Bisping has beaten everyone besides Rashad that he has faced, but out of all UFC fights ive seen of him, he hasnt faced a guy that has brutal KO power like Leben has....and who also has one of the better chins in the business. Bisping doesnt KO anyone....he swarms them until the ref stops the fight. Leben is not going to turtle, so this will be a great test for Bisping and see what hes made of.

Bisping unanimous decision sounds about right. Wont be a ko. If a ko happens, its Bisping out like a light.

ROS51 on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:44 pm ET

[Deleted]

Jason on Jun 28, 2008 at 9:32 am ET

Make your point without fighter bashing next time.

Junior on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:54 pm ET

This Yank agrees with you completely. Leben will gas by the end of the 2nd and Bisping will get the TKO due to strikes in the 3rd.

BJJDenver on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:12 pm ET

lol, thanks!

Bisping is ok, but seriously, who has he beat to make you think he will ever be a top guy?

Has he done what has been expected of him? Yes, albeit against lower level competition, for the most part.

Do you really consider it an upset if a hard hitter like Leben would beat him? Perhaps a mild one, at best.

And since we're talking about what makes us chuckle, you thinking this fight will go to a decision or even 3rd round, no matter who wins.

And here is a newsflash for you, this isn't the Olympics. Where in the world Bisping's momma spit him out
, is of little concern to the majority of "Yanks", though it seems to be of great concern to you.

bigbillyba on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:25 pm ET

Yanks? He calls us Yanks because we dont like Bisping. Leban is a terrible fight for Bisping. He should go straight to Rich Franklin, who he will never beat. It is a terrile headliner and a waste of time. And you Wankers get a few pay-per-view events in your country and you think you know it all. Out of 200 fighters in the UFC the UK can produce one. You suck.

PacNWMMAfanatic on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:55 pm ET

ahahahahahahahahahahahahaahaha

manadon23 on Jun 27, 2008 at 5:14 pm ET

Dude is overrated. all he is is a brawler.

mikemick on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:36 pm ET

UFC usually has 2, sometimes 3 headlining fights. Headlining and Main event are two different things.

JJacob on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:21 pm ET

the ufc is so pre occupied with kissing up to the UK that they forget about what the fans want. Bisbing is a B- type of fighter. No need to make any fight involving him a main event. Not to mention he's an a hole. Hope Leben knocks him out.

OZON3 on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:00 am ET

Good fight but not PPV-main-event-worthy.

i hope this card is free on Spike TV.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:02 am ET

Finally! Let's see if Bisping's chin can handle 3 rounds with the Leben. I doubt it can.

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:03 am ET

I disagree! This should be a war and that what we want. Yeah Bigsping vs Franklin would be better but Dana wants to see if Big to do to Chris what Silva did.

spencerowen1982 on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:04 am ET

I'm not having it again. Every time there is a story about Bisping you Americans slate him, have you seen his last two fights. Leben better book him self a room at Birmingham General Hospital, he will need it.

Bisping is going to kill Leben. I went to UFC 85 and definatley going to go to this one. Come on Bisping!!!!!!!!

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:08 am ET

I want Bigs to win and Yes in an American I think is the more crisp fighter and might have a chance at Silva.

checkmyoil on Jun 27, 2008 at 7:21 pm ET

Well said!

mmafiend on Jun 28, 2008 at 1:36 am ET

WOW Bisping would have no chance against Franklin or Hendo let alone Silva. Hell i think that Yushin Okami would probably over power him.
He will never have any belt in the UFC

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:21 am ET

Yeah, and did you see him fight a guy who retired from fighting two days later, and then fight a guy taking the match on 2 weeks notice?

spencerowen1982 on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:29 am ET

LAS ,

That is typical. Mcarthy was never on the verge of retiring, Bisping's crushing performace made him retire. Day took the fight on four weeks notice not two and was a worthy opponent after hammering Belcher.

I bet you think Leben is going to win the fight?

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:54 am ET

Perhaps you can explain why McCarthy hadn't fought for two years prior to his matchup with Bisping? That was a clear can-feeding, just like when Bisping was fed Sinosic and Schafer at 205.

Also, go check fight metrics analysis of Bisping-Hammill, and then come back here keep going on about how 'he won any way, get over it.'

http://www.fightmetric.com/fights/Hamill-Bisping.html

I favor Leben in this matchup. I think he has slightly better skills and a better chin, while Bisping is more athletic and a better kickboxer. Plus, Leben has been in some wars, while Bisping has basically been coddled by the UFC for the last 2 years. No doubt though, TUF fanboys like yourself will push the betting odds to heavily favor Bisping, which is total nonsense. So yes, I'd love to see Bisping get KOed by Leben.

Moranis on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:57 pm ET

Did you actually look at the fight metric?

It plainly says Bisping won round 2 and 3.

Perhaps if you are going to go off on tangents you should actually be correct.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:15 pm ET

"By any measure of effectiveness, Hamill is the clear winner of this fight. The raw StrikeScore favors Hamill 283-199 and the raw GrappleScore gives him the edge 47-30. Once damage is factored in, the differential becomes even greater. That a fighter should, by rule, lose a fight like this points more to a deficiency in the judging system rather than the fighter’s performance."

As noted a gift decision for Bisping.

ROS51 on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:47 pm ET

Bisping beat Hamil ok!!!! and he should of beat evans!!! he should already be on his way to a title shot. He is stronger than hendo franklin and silva even tho they cud all fight at 2 0 5

PacNWMMAfanatic on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:01 pm ET

orn't

Moranis on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:13 pm ET

It isn't Pride's system of judging, it is a ten point must system.

Fight metric plainly gave the first round to Matt and the second AND third round to Mike. Under the American system of judging Mike won the fight according to the site you link.

You really should actually read what you link and make sure it actually says what you think it says.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 3:18 pm ET

I'm kind of wondering if you actually read the cited passage. The whole point was to underscore the fact that Bisping was manhandled by Hammill, not to argue that the decision was wrong. You could make similar arguements for fights like Swick-Louiseau and Franklin-Okami, in both of which cases the loser did much more in one round the the winner did in the other two rounds. Hammill-Bisping is the most extreme example of this.

Moranis on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:07 pm ET

of course and the paragraphs before and after it, where it clearly says the judges made the right call by awarding the fight to Bisping as Bisping won the fight under the scoring system used.

If you have a problem with the scoring system that is fine and understandable, but the decision was absolutely the correct decision under the scoring system that existed.

And since when does domination of one round mean a fighter should automatically win. If that is the case BJ Penn beat GSP, and on and on. The simple truth is if Hammil doesn't pull a BJ and gas out, he would have won the fight, but he got tired, he stopped throwing punches and he stopped getting takedowns, all the while Bisping started to land solid and powerful punches and kicks. Bottomline, Bisping won the 2nd and 3rd round, and under the UFC scoring system that was enough for him to win (or at the very least draw should someone have rated the first round at 10-8).

flyingogoplata on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:33 pm ET

I for one couldn't give 2 shi*s about Bisping but FightMetric indicates that Bisping clearly won 2 rounds for a 29-28 decision win over Hamill. Not the best argument you could have used. Everyone know the 10 point must system is used in MMA.

kad032000 on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:54 am ET

McCarthy was not a quality opponent. Day, however, was.

Noshow on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:54 am ET

Spence, I have to disagree here. I'm American. I think Bisping is a outstanding fighter and having met him a really good person. Since his drop to 185 he has improved his speed and strength has improved. But, I will say that Bisping chin hasn't been tested against a striker like Leben. His best bet would be to go to the ground or put leben on the ground While he stands and pound him out in true Bisping style.

Not a hater.

spencerowen1982 on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:09 pm ET

Noshow,

Why can't other people on this site (Las and Facleman or whatever his stupid name is) talk with the intelligence that you have.

I don't think Bisping will stand with leben. Did you see his surpise double leg against Day. He was obviously training that for Leben. He will take him down stand out of his guard and as you so well said, ground and pound from his feet Bisping style. Leben will not have chance to impose his game.

It will be a good fight, hopefully some people will give Bisping a little credit after this fight. Then bring on Hendo or Franklin.

Cheers No Show

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:18 pm ET

You've outed yourself as a total British fanboy at this point, which is why you had no response to the breakdown of Bisping-Hammill. I think this is a good matchup, but you seem to think that Bisping will steamroll Leben, just like he has everyone else.

First of all, Bisping hasn't steamrolled everyone else, he's gotten his ass handed to him by two American wrestlers, and he's been the beneficiary of the cushiest matchmaking of anyone in the UFC. I think that by now, with 17 fights under his belt, he's either ready for a number one contender's match, or never. I think Leben proves why they've been hiding this dude for so long against sub par competition.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:21 pm ET

"Why can't other people on this site (Las and Facleman or whatever his stupid name is) talk with the intelligence that you have. " - spencerowen1982

You mean like your comment that Bisping would send Leben to the hospital?

zuleoverlord on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:42 pm ET

Would it be considered a lack of intelligence to simply wish Chris Leban well and pull for him to win?

I have nothing against Bisping, I would just rather that he did not come out the victor in this particular outing.

I guess that is the test of intelligence? People who like Bisping are obviously enlightened to the Brittish Plight?

No offense intended but that appears to be a very low bar by which to judge intelligence.

HeavyHandsTaylor on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:16 pm ET

I have to jump in here. I'm tired of the Hammill argument, it happened, it was shady, but it's over.

Bisping has looked very strong since his drop albeit to cans and mid to low level fighters.

The fact remains, Leben was KO'd by Silva and a win for Leben does nothing for the 185 lb division. If Bisping can keep winning, he a legitimate title contender and a fresh face for Anderson Silva, which the division needs right now.

I think Bisping has a chance, his confidence is soaring while Leben is coming out of Multnomah County jail.

Momentum is on Bisping's side and it's a win for the division.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:33 pm ET

Just because you're tired of the Hammill argument doesn't make it any less relevent when discussing Bisping's handling by the UFC. Really, I don't see Bisping as a legitimate contender, and the UFC has been holding out as long as possible from giving him tough fights.

So, the standard refrain on this board amongst Bisping fan's has been, 'just give him a couple more fights, he'll be ready.' The dude so far has shown an inability to do anything other than feast on cupcakes.

My whole point has been, this is a good matchup, whereas the strongly nationalist sentiment has been that Bisping is simply unstoppable.

No doubt if Bisping gets a title shot, it'll be without having to go through Marquardt, Okami, Henderson, Franklin, because the UFC only needs to make him seem credible as a title contender to get every British MMA fan to shell out big bucks to see Bisping get shelacked by Anderson Silva.

HeavyHandsTaylor on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:41 pm ET

By no means have I drank the Bisping kool-aid and I am certainly not a Brit. (Sacramento sir.)

But I think the hatred on Bisping is unwarranted. Sure the UFC has brought him along slowly but that's not his fault. He's the poster boy for UK UFC. He still has put on some exciting fights and he has looked good at 185.

And as far as having to get through Marquardt, Okami, Henderson and Franklin to get a title shot, we all know that is not true. If the UFC had an official ranking system, that would be the case but we all know that title shots are as much about popularity and marketability as anything.

My point is, I have seen Leben, Marquardt, Henderson and Franklin (2) all fight Silva. They all got destroyed. If Bisping gets through Leben and maybe Okami then why not give him a shot as well. Henderson didn't have to get through anyone before getting a title shot, he was put up immediately.

We all know, that no one at 185 can beat Silva, I'm just interested in seeing some new match-ups.

HeavyHandsTaylor on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:43 pm ET

Clarification: Some new match-ups that don't involve Okami. Sorry, I know it's unfair, he's a good fighter, but the guy bores the hell out of me even when he's knocking out Tanner.

JHustle on Jun 27, 2008 at 3:04 pm ET

Leites, Maia, Kampmann.... all contenders that have just as much right to a shot as Bisping.

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 3:25 pm ET

Only speaking for myself, I don't dislike Bisping, but I really hate to see Bisping getting easy matchups only to have people with a 2-fight memory make outlandish claims about his greatness.

Indeed, title shots are about popularity and marketability, but that wouldn't make it any less of a tragedy to see an undeserving fighter end up with a title shot because you could market him based on his nationality. I personally think that's why Okami is getting d*cked out of his title shot, at least for the time being, because the UFC would have a hard time marketing two non-English speakers for a title fight.

I symphathize with your desire to see more interesting title matchups, but I'd much rather see them bring in Matt Lindland, or (god forbid) a cross-promotional title match with Robbie Lawler.

Bitchslap on Jun 27, 2008 at 6:50 pm ET

Thats funny you say that 2 non-English speaking fighters would be hard to sell. For that matter what % of fighters actually speak English anymore? I would probably have as good a chance of understanding Anderson Silva as I would Bisping. Bisping is harder to understand than Wandy. LOL

HeavyHandsTaylor on Jun 27, 2008 at 7:02 pm ET

I missed this earlier. Matt Lindland is one of the most overrated fighters in the world, he is too old and way past his prime.

He is in the midst of losing an Oregon State representative race and he was given a grappling match at Affliction so he could still do press after his fight. He won't get hit once.

Lindland will never fight in the UFC again, not because of the sponsor flap, but because he isn't on par with the UFC middleweight division.

Marquardt, Maia, or Almeida would roll Lindland not to mention the any number of fighters that would drop him like a can.

As for Lawler, Elite XC will never get rid of him and the UFC will never take an Elite XC fighter in. At least not for the next few years.

ku on Jun 27, 2008 at 7:15 pm ET

I would have to disagree. I still have Matt Lindland on my personal #2 MW list. He is aging but I think he still has what it takes. He has fought top competition, however nothing of relevancy as of late.

haglnuts on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:19 pm ET

I really think 8 or 9 times out of ten Henderson beats Silva. People act like Silva walked right through Hendo, but they conveniently forget about the first round when Hendo was fully mounted on Silva hammering away, that's Hendo's game. The second round Henderson's pride caught up with him and he wanted to beat Silva at his own game, striking. Bad choice in retrospect, but if and when they fight again, Henderson will bully Silva and dominate him on the ground. His chin is solid enough to take a few shots to close the distance and get body control. Henderson in my eyes is still the only contender for the belt at 185, and it doesn't matter how many cans are fed to Bisping, let's see if he can get through Henderson before calling him a legit contender.

Bitchslap on Jun 27, 2008 at 7:04 pm ET

Well said. I agree that Bisping would have his hands full with the likes of Hendo. Dan would definitely test Bispings chin. Probably knock it off his face. Henderson is probably the only man who can test Silva. Bisping has been spoon fed cans for his whole UFC career. Now he gets another so-so opponent. If Bisping wants the credit he feels he deserves start booking some real stiff competition. There are 4-5 guys who Im sure would love to knock that cocky lisp right off of him. Step up already!!!

FACELESSMAN on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:05 pm ET

"UFC has been holding out as long as possible from giving BISPING tough fights"

the only tough fights they gave him was Rashad Evans (which he lost) and Matt Hamill (which he won but that outcome is VERY debatable). He has not fought any other top dogs in the UFC. He has 2 fight at least a few top guys before he can even allow Anderson Silva to pound on him.

Rabbit on Jun 28, 2008 at 11:44 am ET

Bisbing doesn't have one aspect of his game that can match up vs Silva. Not many guys do but The Count would get destroyed by Anderson.

Silva is so much better than everybody else he looks like is starting to get bored and find new ways to win. I think he would tai clinch bisbing and give him the rich franklin treatment after he got tired of pounding in his face with jabs and riddling his ribcage with knees.

I agree with everybody who says Bisbing has been coddled. I also think Hammil got hosed. However, there will come a time when Bisbing is forced to face somebody out of his league and that day will be coming soon. I don't see Leben being good enough to do it, he has never truly impressed me and his conditioning is never really there. But, the day is coming. And I like Bisbing for the most part. He was a d*ck after the Hammil fight but for the most part he comes off as a solid dude who appreciates what TUF has done for him and his career.

Just put him in there vs somebody elite though. It's well past due.

haglnuts on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:07 pm ET

Nosho - don't confuse intelligenct with catering to your point of view. Bisping clearly lost to Hammill because of the fact that the fight was in the UK. The first somewhat good fighter in Brittain can't lose a decision because there goes all the money coming from across the pond to feed the UFC machine. It's like Kimbo being EliteXC's golden boy has the advantage, Bisping has the UK advantage, it's a business. But Leben is not going to let the judges cheat him, he's going to knock Bisping out!

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:17 pm ET

Now this is real talk!! Couldn't agree with you more, Leben has definitively been tested and the time he was out was by the best striker on the Planet. I really don't think the count is going to knockout the crippler, so Bis chins going to get tested in this one. Cant wait should be a war!

bigbillyba on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:15 pm ET

oh no, bisping is going to kill leban. who cares??? this fight is not going to have an impact on anything in the middleweight division. if bisping wins he gets to fight rich franklin? big deal! after franklin beats the count, then what? meaningless fight.

ManUpWear on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:05 am ET

terrible headline, similar to when bisping and evans headlined an event.
Chris Leben is the middleweight gatekeeper, so it should be a good test for Bisping.

manupwear

Live2Fight on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:06 am ET

Huh... Bisping vs Leben... Man, I like Leben but he doesn't stand a chance. Bisping would win this fight one handed.

The_Boogeyman on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:11 am ET

This is going to be a great fight. I dont see Leben putting away Bisping. I say Bisping by unanimous decision. I think he is just way to strong for Leben.

bigprice on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:12 am ET

I like the crippler to dismantle bisping and make all u euro-jock riders sad

mennis65 on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:15 am ET

I am looking forward to this fight. this could be a very exciting match.

(Leben will win this one.... by submission)

Minnesota-MMA on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:20 am ET

You thinking Triangle? because I could see that happening.

The_D_Man on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:15 am ET

I sure hope it doesn't mean Main Event... perhaps co-main event. It'll be a good fight however.

JackGordon on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:17 am ET

This the type of Main event that should headline a Fight night, I think this is a solid fight but not main event worthy. I understand the draw that Bisping is over seas but he is not a main event headliner in my opinion, there better be some strong undercard fights or alot of people won't be paying for this one, I will because I get the PPV'S at a reduced rate, perks of working for the cable compnay.

Minnesota-MMA on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:17 am ET

Good Scrap, Leben will be too much for Bisping. Strange pairing considering it'll be in the UK and having Bisping fight a fighter who has a pretty good chance of Highlight reel KO'ing him. Bisping will have the height and reach but his chin isn't ready for Leben and Bispings average power isn't gonna hurt Leben, if Bisping can keep Leben at bay and pick his shots he can win a decision but I see Leben putting leather on chin and climbing that MW ladder.

Leben 2nd Round KO.

L.V.C.C.
M.M.A.A.
T's.K.O. Gym

Skins on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:20 am ET

Why are people on here saying Bisping's chin isn't ready..

He's never been stopped. Ever

LAS on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:24 am ET

Because he has never shown the ability to take a good punch, and he got floored by Elvis Sinosic. Bisping has yet to make a good showing against someone with a winning record in the UFC>

Skins on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:28 am ET

Fair enough, I agree he's yet to be properly tested against someone with heavy hands... I also don't think he's got knock out power of his own, but he's taken a few punches and knees in the UFC and only been wobbled by Elvis, coming back to win convincingly.

LipSmacker on Jun 27, 2008 at 8:25 pm ET

Name the last dominant striker that Bisping has ever faced..... oh yeah that's right he hasn't. Not to say Chris is a dominant striker, but he's definitely the best that Bisping has faced since being in the UFC.

HeavyHandsTaylor on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:46 pm ET

Minnesota-

Great analysis of the fight and you didn't even have to mention that you train with Mir or that fighters hate forum writers.

Well done sir.

Keep em' coming.

Skins on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:17 am ET

I reckon Mike Bisping will win this fight convincingly but it should be a belter. So what if the yanks don't like Mike - he's still quality.

I just hope they add some decent secondary fights to the card. We UK fans want to see a variety of guys and there's been a lot of repitition on the UK cards (Marcus Davies 4 times anyone?).

TheLegFighter on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:25 am ET

"You Americans" - that's funny. I guess only Americans like Leben and only Brits like Bisping.

Life is so simple, ain't it?

kad032000 on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:03 pm ET

And only Canadians like GSP :)

flassassin on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:18 pm ET

Italians love Alessio Sakara! I think so at least... isn't that why he is still in the UFC??

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:39 am ET

You guys are missing the point here. Remember what Silva did to Leben for those who don't let me remind you, he got destroyed under a minute 100% accuracy. Bis does not have the ability to do that to the crippler and we all know that, so there for we are in for a war just what the crippler ordered.
This is for the fans and nothing else because neither of these guys can last a round with Silva. What do you dumbf***s think of that. No Champ here! Nightie Nite The Count, maybe you can stay in your country after the fight and never return to American Where the best fighters in the world are.

Skins on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:50 am ET

What like Silva the Brazilian and St Pierre the French Canadian?

Twit

Kingdom on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:58 am ET

Haha brilliant, absolute beauty, they do have Randy who just wont fight haha, Steriods riddle some of the champs also which is a shame, because theyre usually Yanks, very proud they must be.

Its like anything, people dont like other people walking in and ruining the party. Bisping is that man.

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:21 pm ET

You need some help!! Cant make it a 205 so move down to 185, once you get whooped at 185 get out of the sport you dirty mouth ugly cant speak english without making people cringe. Randy has been tested after every fight dumbass all you have is your sour puss on because you have one good fighter from your country. Ha look at the long list of American fighters that top the best of the best category when it comes to fighters or athletes in general.

kenjkun on Jun 27, 2008 at 12:35 pm ET

current best of the best fighters in the ufc:
LW: bj = hawaiian (barely a part of america)
WW: gsp = canadian
MW: spider = brazilian
LHW: rampage = american
HW: big nog = brazilian

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:26 pm ET

WoW you really are stupid! What does barley apart of America mean?? Randy is the Champ Dummy check it out for yourself. B.J is an american just ask him or listen to some interviews. 3 of the 5 are Americans and Penn with smash GSP and take his title and then it will be 4 of the 5. Your Stupid!

kenjkun on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:48 pm ET

i hate to tell you but you're living in denial. randy will never be back in the ufc.

xXCLOSXx on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:37 pm ET

I think if Timmy beats Fedor, White will sign him with the UFC again as a double champ & Randy will have nowhere else to go but the UFC. Maybe Affliction, but his match with Fedor will have lost a lot of hype if he losses to big Timmy. Randy will be back, he loves the UFC fans!

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:12 pm ET

Did I say he would be back little nuts...No i didnt!! Randy hold the belt stupid plain and simple.

kenjkun on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:37 pm ET

no. i don't think you ever said he would be back little nuts.

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:45 pm ET

Ha, you got me there.

Majestyk1976 on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:06 pm ET

I highly doubt Penn will beat GSP.

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:20 pm ET

This time he wont gas, thats the only reason he lost there first fight and Penn is on top of his game.

kenjkun on Jun 27, 2008 at 2:55 pm ET

and by the way, since junkie doesn't seem to care about insults today, FUCK YOU!

kcabkcilsdemanpmipa on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:30 pm ET

LW: bj = hawaiian (barely a part of america)
WW: gsp = canadian
MW: spider = brazilian
LHW: rampage = american
HW: big nog = brazilian

BJ's mom Is 2nd Generation Korean, His Father is caucasion. Please don't Say (barely Part of america) its insulting.

Crow on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:37 pm ET

It is insulting. And small minded.

As i said below. Being a native american myself and consequently being married to a Samoan girl.

You are speaking WAY out of school. The Samoan people have a rich culture and are damn proud to be Native Americans.

kenjkun on Jun 27, 2008 at 1:43 pm ET

you guys are so sensitive. i meant geographically, not nationally.

joshryanshepherd on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:19 pm ET

how is HI barely part of America? oh i guess Texas is barely part of America Either huh? no that doesnt seem right... well to be honest your lil rating system holds fighters that are all "American" Either North America or south America. what? its the truth!

kenjkun on Jun 27, 2008 at 4:34 pm ET

let me state the obvious and tell you that hawaii is out in the middle of the pacific ocean over 2500 miles away from the north american continent. i call that barely part of america. you want to get your panties all up in a bunch over that, be my guest.
nice example comparing hawaii to texas by the way. i might argue that that state is so out of whack that i could also argue that texas is almost like it's own country.

mikemaher on Jun 27, 2008 at 11:59 am ET

Where are they fighting TWIT america because the comp sucks everywhere else. Randy Chuck Hendo Rampage, list goes on and on Hillbilly.