THE UFC returns to London’s 02 arena on Saturday night (February 27) as perennial title hopeful and British favourite Michael “The Count” Bisping takes on former pound-for-pound king, Anderson “The Spider” Silva, in a middleweight clash some years in the making.
Both men have had ups and downs in recent years which could impact the result of this fight. Here are the key strengths and weaknesses of Michael Bisping.
Strengths:
The Count is a very good technical boxer and kick boxer who uses neat footwork and utilises his jab well. He looks to move in and out of range, likes to pepper his opponent with straight punches and low kicks and tries to keep them off balance, avoid big blows and take down attempts.
As well as good technical striking, Bisping has dispelled the notion that Brits can’t wrestle, taking elite level American wrestling champions like Chael Sonnen and Rashad Evans to the wire in past fights (albeit losing efforts). Bisping has been able to use his good footwork and effective sprawl to stuff takedown attempts.
Generally Michael Bisping does everything very well and has elite level fitness and conditioning, complemented by a strong will to win and unshakable self confidence. He is a well rounded MMA athlete.
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Weaknesses:
Although Michael Bisping does everything very well, it could be argued that he isn’t outstanding in any specific area. Whilst his striking is very good technically, he does not posses the raw power to knock out elite level opponents with one shot. It is noticeable that prior to entering the UFC Bisping stopped every fighter he faced, but as his level of opponent increased, the stoppage victories dried up.
Whilst defensive wrestling is a strong point for Bisping, attacking wrestling is not something he often attempts – it is rare you will see him shoot for a double leg or go for a big throw. This leaves his main avenue of attack as striking and at championship level, without takedowns, you need to either be exceptional at it or carry one punch knock out power; being very good is not quite enough.
Again, Michael Bisping is decent at defending submissions and ‘pops up’ when he does get taken down very well but it he hasn’t demonstrated a huge attacking Jiu Jitsu arsenal.
Overall Michael Bisping has proved to be the one of the best contenders in the world over a number of years but unfortunately he just hasn’t had enough to go from contender to champion. At the age of 36 it is difficult to see that changing – I hope I’m wrong.
Tactics for the fight with Silva:
To win this fight I believe that Michael Bisping needs to vary his usual striking game, close the distance and not give Silva time or space. Given his defensive wrestling ability, I am convinced that Bisping must have more in terms of takedowns and I think he needs to use wrestling in this fight. Chael Sonnen , in his first first with Silva, as well as Chris Weidman in his two victories, showed how a good wrestler can unsettle The Spider.
The Count needs to maintain pressure, not let Silva settle into a rhythm and not be distracted by the Brazilian’s penchant for showboating. Nick Diaz, equally as adept a boxer as Bisping, found he could not out-strike Silva; I think Bisping will be making a mistake if he tries to.
As much as I like and respect him, four years ago I’d have given Michael Bisping no chance in this fight. In Bisping’s favour now are the fact that Anderson Silva has had two periods of inactivity and is now over 40 (although at 36, Bisping himself is no spring chicken). If Silva has slowed – and there is evidence that he has – then there is every possibly The Count could capitalise.
