1. Michael Bisping takes thriller over the legend, Anderson Silva
[autotag]Michael Bisping[/autotag]’s legacy was nearly set in stone as tough guy who just couldn’t get over the highest hurdle.
He put together solid, lengthy win streaks over the course of his UFC career, but every time he’d get a pivotal opportunity, it wouldn’t go his way. Bisping would pick himself back up, go on an another impressive run, but once again fall short in the title eliminator bouts.
He fought all over the world, taking on anyone the UFC put in front of him. After two straight wins over C.B. Dolloway in Canada, and Thales Leites in Glasgow, Bisping headlined UFC Fight Night 84 against one of the greatest fighters of all time, former UFC middleweight king, Anderson Silva. He was initially meant to face Gegard Mousasi, but a late shuffle resulted in a massive opportunity.
And while it wasn’t without plenty of adversity, this time, Bisping was not going to let his big moment go to waste. Bisping came out putting on his usual aggressive, high pace, throwing not just single shots, but one, two, and three-punch combinations. Silva played his usual games, dazzling with his incredible reflexes and movement, but Bisping was landing, even dropping Silva in the second round.
However, with seconds remaining in Round 3, Bisping dropped his mouthpiece, and looked down, asking referee Herb Dean to hand it to him. With Bisping’s attention diverted away, he was met with a thunderous knee from Silva, that sent a bloody Bisping to the canvas right at the sound of the horn. Was he knocked out? At least Silva thought so as he climbed the octagon in celebration.
A dazed Bisping immediately got back up and sat on his stool. Incredibly, he wasn’t knocked out, and with Dean about to wave the fight off, Bisping let him know that he was still in it, and willing to continue fighting.
An unfazed and battered Bisping, continued to press forward, showing off his cardio in the latter rounds. After the scorecards were gathered, Bisping was awarded the unanimous decision, picking up the biggest win of his career.
That win would give him the opportunity to step in on short notice to replace an injured Chris Weidman at UFC 199, for a shot against then-UFC middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold, who already held a win and finish over him.
It was a shot at redemption for Bisping, who fully capitalized on the opportunity, shocking the world with a first-round knockout over Rockhold at UFC 199 and making him the first British fighter in history to win a UFC title.
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