Michael Bisping: Beating the Odds?

After Michael Bisping's domination over Jason Miller at he finale of The Ultimate Fighter, he stated that a similar performance would not fair well against the middleweight champion, Anderson Silva. He said he needed to improve in all aspects of his game and become a true threat in the division. This sounds like he wants to fight and defeat several more opponents before he earns a title shot.

The first opponent for the new and ever-improving Bisping was slated to be jiu-jitsu ace Demian Maia on the second trip to FOX. A stylistic matchup that would help straighten out the division and surely place both fighters in distinctive positions in the hierarchy of the division.

Well this fight will never materialize as the proverbial main card injury happened just a few weeks ago. Mark Munoz dropped out of a highly anticipated match with Chael Sonnen in what would have been a rematch of their collegiate wrestling match in which Chael is said to have cheated. This is all a wash, however, as Bisping will now face Sonnen in a title eliminator.

Looking back on what Bisping said following his last win, what would have been more beneficial for Bisping? A shot with Maia that even with a win would've ensured another fight before title implications arose. Now with a win over Sonnen, Bisping would be thrusted into the spotlight and forced to be locked in a cage with Anderson Silva. Is Bisping ready for such a challenge?

If he is to lose against Sonnen, Bisping's job would surely be safe but he would have to return to the drawing board as Sonnen would most assuredly win by utilizing his superior wrestling that would tire Bisping out leaving him vulnerable wherever the fight ends up. Bisping would probably come back with a winning streak as he always does after a tough loss but would improve win or lose against Sonnen.

I honestly believe that this fight with Sonnen is a blessing in disguise. Right now, it looks like Bisping is a clear underdog just waiting to be outworked by Sonnen. But, if Bisping can prevent a majority of the takedowns or at least just scramble back to his feet, his crisp combos and stellar jabs would pick Sonnen apart. After the win, Bisping would train like a madman and come in to the Silva title fight as a new fighter. He has a great work ethic and cardio that is second to none. Silva would have his hands full with a stand up point fighter who possesses the speed that Bisping does.

Bisping could, if trained right, nullify Anderson's counter game and use his unorthodox timing to gain momentum as the fight goes on. Bisping isn't a knockout artist, jiu-jitsu wizard, or collegiate wrestler. Just an extremely dedicated martial artist with the potential to outwork anyone with an end result of a vintage Bisping TKO after one of his signature beat downs that combine technique with speed and brutality.

I call a decision upset for Bisping this Saturday and I hope Bisping finally finds him championship stride.

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