Michael Bisping
{{short description|English mixed martial artist (born 1979)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}}
{{Full citations needed|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Michael Bisping
| other_names = The Count
| image = MichaelBispingProfile.png
| image_size = 220px
| caption = Bisping in 2022
| birth_name = Michael Gavin Joseph Bisping{{Cite web|title=Michael Bisping MMA Fighter Page|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/michael-bisping-the-count|access-date=4 April 2024|website=Tapology}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1979|2|28}}
| birth_place = Akrotiri, Cyprus
| residence = Anaheim, California, US
| nationality = British
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lb = 185
| weight_class = {{Unbulleted list|Middleweight (2008–2017)
Light Heavyweight (2004–2007)}}
| reach = {{convert|75+1/2|in|cm|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-glasgow-2015/printFightCard|title=Fight Card – UFC Fight Night Bisping vs. Leites|publisher=UFC|access-date=15 July 2015}}
| stance =
| style =
| fighting_out_of = Manchester, England
| team = Reign Training Center{{cite web | url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/michael-bisping-reveals-hes-now-training-at-mark-munozs-reign-camp | title=Michael Bisping Reveals He's Now Training At Mark Munoz's Reign Camp | publisher=Fight of the Night | date=4 May 2014 | access-date=4 May 2014 | author=Henderson, Jason}}
RVCA Training Center
| rank = Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Brady Fink{{cite news|url=http://wbbjj.com/michael-bisping-earns-bjj-brown-belt|title=Michael Bisping Earns His BJJ Brown Belt|publisher=wbbjj.com|date=12 January 2015|access-date=14 January 2015|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118131132/https://wbbjj.com/michael-bisping-earns-bjj-brown-belt/|url-status=dead}}
| years_active = 2004–2018
| mma_kowin = 18
| mma_subwin = 2
| mma_decwin = 10
| mma_koloss = 3
| mma_subloss = 2
| mma_decloss = 4
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| am_label = Mixed martial arts exhibition record
| am_win = 2
| am_kowin = 2
| am_subwin =
| am_decwin =
| am_loss =
| am_koloss =
| am_subloss =
| am_decloss =
| am_draw =
| am_nc =
| sherdog = 10196
| footnotes =
| updated =
|website = {{URL|michaelbispingofficial.com}}
}}
Michael Gavin Joseph Bisping ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɪ|s|p|ɪ|ŋ}}; born 28 February 1979) is an English{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/05/michael-bisping-luke-rockhold-ufc-middleweight-title-fight-knockout | title=Michael Bisping stuns Luke Rockhold to become Britain's first UFC champion | website=TheGuardian.com | date=5 June 2016 }} former mixed martial artist, sports commentator, analyst, and actor. He competed in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor from 2004 to 2017, he held the UFC middleweight title, the Cage Rage light heavyweight title, and won the light heavyweight tournament of The Ultimate Fighter 3.
At UFC 78, Bisping became the first British fighter to compete in a UFC main event. In 2013, he became legally blind in his right eye after fighting Vitor Belfort, in which a fight-ending head kick had left Bisping with a detached retina. Three years later, Bisping won the UFC middleweight title by knocking out Luke Rockhold at UFC 199, becoming the first British fighter to win a UFC Championship. https://talksport.com/mma/2136741/michael-bisping-dan-henderson-ko-ufc-dana-white-manchester/{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/05/michael-bisping-luke-rockhold-ufc-middleweight-title-fight-knockout|title=Michael Bisping stuns Luke Rockhold to become Britain's first UFC champion|publisher=theguardian.com|date=5 June 2016}} He defended his title against Dan Henderson at UFC 204, but lost it to Georges St-Pierre the following year at UFC 217. After his knockout loss to Kelvin Gastelum three weeks later, Bisping retired from the sport. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on 5 July 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/ufc/story/_/id/26282758/former-champ-bisping-enter-ufc-hall-fame|title=Bisping enters UFC Hall of Fame]|work=ESPN|author=Phil Murphy|date=March 17, 2019}}
Bisping has also embarked on an acting career, starring in films such as XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017), Triple Threat (2019), and the upcoming Red Sonja. He also portrayed Roy Shaw in the British sports drama film My Name Is Lenny (2017). On television, he has appeared in series such as Strike Back, Twin Peaks, MacGyver, Magnum P.I. and Warrior.
Early life
Bisping was born on a British military base in Akrotiri, Cyprus. He is one of five children born to Jan Konrad Bisping and Kathleen ({{nee}} Armitage) Bisping{{Cite web |date=5 June 2016 |title=Everything you need to know about Michael Bisping, Britain's first UFC champion |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/ufc/michael-bisping-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-british-ufc-champion-a7066151.html |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en}} and grew up in Clitheroe, Lancashire.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/29879419 | title=Michael Bisping: UFC superstar made in Britain | work=BBC | date=4 November 2014|author=Chris Osborne}} He attended St Augustine's Roman Catholic High School, Billington.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/ufc/10768869/Michael-Bisping-talks-about-his-school-days-ahead-of-TUF-Nations-Finale.html Michael Bisping talks about his school days ahead of TUF Nations Finale]. Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved on 27 June 2017.
Michael's Polish paternal grandfather, Andrew (Andrzej Bobola Bisping von Gallen), was born in what is now Masaliany, Byerastavitsa Rayon, Hrodna Voblasts, Belarus, descended from German nobility who moved to Poland in the Middle Ages and was a member of the noble Polish Zamoyski family (through his mother), while Michael's English paternal grandmother, Mary Greenwood, was from Clitheroe.{{sfn|Bisping|2019|loc=Chapter 1: Hammered}}{{sfn|Bisping|2019|loc=Chapter 3: The Count}}
Andrzej Bobola Bisping von Gallen fled with his family from Poland to England after the Soviet invasion in September 1939. Many members of the noble families were pursued and executed by Soviet Red Army during World War II, including Andrew's father, Jan,{{sfn|Bisping|2019|loc=Chapter 3: The Count}} who was named after his own grandfather (Andrew's father), served in the British Army.{{cite web |url=http://www.spike.com/bio/500175?show=22307 |title=Michael Bisping |publisher=SPIKE |access-date=26 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530135506/http://www.spike.com/bio/500175?show=22307 |archive-date=30 May 2009 |url-status=dead }} Michael's mother is from Northern Ireland.{{sfn|Bisping|2019|loc=Chapter 1: Hammered}} Bisping has described himself as "English through and through".{{Cite tweet|number=1362244615936507911|user=bisping|title=Haha I mean, I have a polish grandfather and relatives, but I'm English through and through. Can't be British, polish and Cypriot at the same time.|author=Michael Bisping|date=17 February 2021|access-date=5 February 2023}} He began training Jujutsu at the age of eight. In 1994, at the age of 15, he competed as an amateur in Britain's first "no holds barred" competition, a precursor to modern MMA, called Knock Down Sport Budo (KSBO).[http://www.mmaplayground.com/article/michael-bisping-37.html Michael Bisping profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319151439/http://www.mmaplayground.com/article/michael-bisping-37.html |date=19 March 2016 }}. mmaplayground.com. Accessed 28 July 2023.
At the age of 18, Bisping decided to abandon his martial arts training "to pursue real-life".{{cite web | author=Pedro Wrobel | title=Cage Rage Champ Bisping Eyes Bright Future|work=Sherdog | url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=2300&my_page=2 | date=8 January 2005}} Less than a year later, Bisping began training in boxing, kickboxing, and karate on the advice of Allan Clarkin, owner of Black Knights Kickboxing, who saw potential in him. Bisping enjoyed a short but successful kickboxing career, winning the North West Area title and later the Pro British light heavyweight kickboxing title.
After again briefly quitting competition in 1998, Bisping returned to kickboxing to take the Pro British light heavyweight title for a second time. Soon after winning his second kickboxing title, he was forced to abandon his full-time training for a "real job". In addition to working at factories, slaughterhouses, and demolition companies, he was also an upholsterer, postman, tiler, plasterer, and salesman.{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/2311234/My-Sport-Michael-Bisping.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126200119/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/2311234/My-Sport-Michael-Bisping.html |archive-date=26 January 2009 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=My Sport: Michael Bisping | date=17 April 2007}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Bisping made his professional mixed martial arts debut at Pride & Glory 2: Battle of the Ages on 4 April 2004, taking a 0:38 submission victory over Steve Mathews. Just one month later, Bisping scored his first knockout against John Weir at UK MMA Challenge 7: Rage & Fury. In his third MMA match, Bisping was scheduled to face the experienced Renato Sobral at Cage Rage 7 but his opponent pulled out ten days before the event. Instead, Bisping defeated Mark Epstein by technical knockout and became the Cage Rage light heavyweight champion. Bisping went on to defend his championship title in a rematch against Epstein at Cage Rage 9 in a knockout victory that solidified Bisping as one of the top light heavyweight fighters in England. It also earned him the moniker "The Great British Hope", by UFC.com.Thomas Gerbasi (22 June 2006) [https://web.archive.org/web/20090710213947/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=2793 Michael Bisping: The Great British Hope]. ufc.com
At The Ultimate Fight Club UK: Natural Instinct on 29 January 2005, Bisping made his cage kickboxing debut against David Brown in a light heavyweight contest.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefightgame.tv/ultimate_fight_club_january_29_2005.htm|title=ultimate_fight_club_january_29_2005|website=www.thefightgame.tv|access-date=17 May 2018}} With Brown badly cut, Bisping picked up the win via doctor stoppage in round 2.
Bisping made his debut for the promotion at Ultimate Force on 30 April 2005, defeating Dave Radford to win the vacant Cage Warriors light heavyweight title. Bisping then competed in another light heavyweight cage kickboxing contest, against Cyrille Diabaté at CWFC: Strike Force 1 on 21 May 2005, losing via decision after the end of the first extra round. He captured the FX3 light-heavyweight title on 18 June 2005 and, for a time, reigned over the UK's major federations. In his first Cage Warriors title defense, Bisping defeated Miika Mehmet at CWFC: Strike Force 2, on 16 July 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.mma-core.com/fights/Michael_Bisping_vs_Miika_Mehmet/1120092|title=Michael Bisping vs Miika Mehmet Fight Result CWFC - Strike Force 2|website=www.mma-core.com|access-date=17 May 2018}}
In September 2005, Cage Rage stripped the light heavyweight title from Bisping due to "management issues",Pedro Wrobel (23 September 2005) [http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Cage-Rage-Strips-Bisping-of-British-Title-3433 Cage Rage Strips Bisping of British Title]. sherdog.com though Cage Warriors stated that "Bisping was willing to defend his title but is being punished by Cage Rage due to his Wolfslair and Cage Warriors links".{{cite web|year=2005 |title=CWFC Statement Concerning Mike Bisping |work=www.cagewarriors.com |url=http://www.cagewarriors.com/page.asp?ID=1254 |access-date=17 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825174742/http://www.cagewarriors.com/page.asp?ID=1254 |archive-date=25 August 2006 |url-status=dead }} Towards the end of 2005, Bisping again successfully defended the Cage Warriors title, this time against Jakob LovstadPedro Wrobel (2 October 2005) [http://sherdog.com/news/articles/bisping-defends-cagewarriors-title-izidro-wins-belt-3474 Bisping Defends CageWarriors Title, Izidro Wins Belt]. Sherdog.com. Retrieved on 16 July 2013. and Ross Pointon in the CWFC: Strike Force series of events, leading to a record of 10 wins and no losses.{{cite web|url=https://www.mma-core.com/fights/Michael_Bisping_vs_Ross_Pointon/1352310|title=Michael Bisping vs Ross Pointon Fight Result UFC - The Ultimate Fig...|website=www.mma-core.com|access-date=17 May 2018}}
= The Ultimate Fighter 3 =
In early 2006, Bisping was featured on the UFC's The Ultimate Fighter 3 reality television series as a contestant training under Tito Ortiz. He won a preliminary bout against Kristian Rothaermel by TKO, followed by a semi-final win against Ross Pointon by submission after landing a flying knee and a series of strikes. In the finals, Bisping finished Josh Haynes by TKO at 4:14 into the second round, making Bisping the second Light Heavyweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter television series.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2013/1/13/1750206/history-in-the-making-michael-bisping-ultimate-fighter-tuf-3-ufc-fx-7-mma|title=HITM: Michael Bisping wins TUF 3|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=17 May 2018|author=Jesse Holland}}{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/events/the-ultimate-fighter-3-finale|title=The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale {{!}} MMAjunkie|website=mmajunkie.com|language=en|access-date=17 May 2018}}
= Ultimate Fighting Championship =
Five months after his victory in the TUF 3 finals, Bisping was slated to fight Eric Schafer at The Ultimate Fighter 4 finale, but withdrew because of problems acquiring his visa.Scott White (7 November 2006) [http://www.mmaontap.com/mma/entry/schafer-bisping-is-off/ Schafer-Bisping is Off – MMA on Tap]. Mmaontap.com . Retrieved on 16 July 2013. The fight was rescheduled and held on 30 December at UFC 66. Bisping defeated Schafer by TKO at 4:24 in the first round.{{cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/1330-ufc-66-michael-the-count-bisping-vs-eric-red-schafer|title=Michael Bisping vs. Eric Schafer|website=tapology.com|access-date=December 3, 2020}}
On 21 April 2007, Bisping scored a TKO win over Elvis Sinosic at UFC 70 in Manchester, England.Diana Davila. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080217024014/http://martialarts.about.com/od/eventsandcompetitions/ig/UFC-70-Results/UFC-70---Bisping-vs-Sinosic.htm Michael Bisping defeats Elvis Sinosic via TKO in Round 2]. martialarts.about.com
Bisping was a special guest referee at the Cage Warriors events Enter The Wolfslair on 5 March 2005 and CWFC: Strike Force 6 on 27 May 2006.{{cite web | author=cage Warriors | year=2006| title=Michael "The Count" Bisping To Referee At Strike Force 6|work=www.cagewarriors.com | url=http://www.cagewarriors.com/page.asp?ID=1647 | access-date=17 September 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060828052704/http://cagewarriors.com/page.asp?ID=1647 |archive-date = 28 August 2006}}
On 8 September 2007, Bisping faced former Ultimate Fighter 3 rival Matt Hamill in London, England. Bisping won the fight by split decision. The decision was controversial with many believing Hamill won the fight.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-75-ampquotChampion-Vs-Championampquot-Play-by-Play-8918 |title=UFC 75 "Champion Vs. Champion" Play-by-Play |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=8 September 2007 |access-date=23 April 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2825/ufc-75-judge-jeff-mullen-explains-bisping-hamill-score.mma |title=UFC 75 Judge Jeff Mullen Explains Bisping-Hamill Score |author=Dann Stupp |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=10 September 2007 |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026112300/http://mmajunkie.com/news/2825/ufc-75-judge-jeff-mullen-explains-bisping-hamill-score.mma |archive-date=26 October 2012 }}
Bisping's next match at UFC 78 against fellow Ultimate Fighter winner Rashad Evans resulted in his first loss, via a split decision.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090712022524/http://www.tsn.ca/mma/story/?id=223143 UFC: Evans wins split decision over Bisping]. The Canadian Press (18 November 2007)
==Move down to middleweight==
File:Denis Kang.jpg at the weigh-ins for UFC 105]]
Since the start of his MMA career, people had been advising that Bisping was undersized for the light heavyweight division and would do better at middleweight. With the support of UFC president Dana White, Bisping decided to drop down a weight division, following his loss to Evans.{{cite web | author=Ant Evans |title=Count's move gives middleweights new blood|work=UFC |url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9204 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030085613/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9204 |archive-date=30 October 2008 | date=14 December 2007 }} On 19 April 2008 at UFC 83, Bisping made his middleweight debut against Charles McCarthy. Bisping won by TKO, as McCarthy was unable to continue after the first round due to a forearm injury he sustained after receiving an unanswered series of knees and uppercuts from Bisping.[http://www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk/clitheroesports/Bisping-fells-34Chainsaw34-Charles-in.4001211.jp Bisping fells "Chainsaw" Charles in first round knockout]. Clitheroe Today (20 April 2008)
Bisping's next fight was scheduled to be on 7 June 2008 at UFC 85 in London, against Chris Leben. However, after Leben was sentenced to jail for 35 days and unable to compete, Jason Day stepped in.{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/bisping-vs-leben-at-ufc-89-in-birmingham-england-2 |title=BISPING VS LEBEN AT UFC 89 IN BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND |date=1 July 2008 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=25 July 2011}} Bisping won the fight in dominant fashion by first round TKO; it was his second 1st round TKO in a row.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
Bisping instead fought Leben in the headliner of UFC 89 on 18 October 2008 and won by unanimous decision.{{cite web |url= http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-89-live-results-play-by-play-photos-2 |title=UFC 89 LIVE RESULTS, PLAY-BY-PLAY, & PHOTOS |date=17 October 2008 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=25 July 2011}} After the fight, Leben tested positive for Stanozolol and was suspended for nine months.{{cite web|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27523083/ |title=Leben tests positive for steroids, suspended – Mixed Martial Arts |publisher=nbcsports.msnbc.com |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207024737/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27523083 |archive-date=7 February 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13153/report-failed-ufc-89-drug-test-nets-chris-leben-nine-month-suspension.mma |title=Failed UFC 89 drug test nets Chris Leben nine-month suspension (updated) |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108025325/http://mmajunkie.com/news/13153/report-failed-ufc-89-drug-test-nets-chris-leben-nine-month-suspension.mma |archive-date=8 January 2010 }}
Bisping was confirmed as one of the coaches on the ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter.{{cite web|url= http://mmaweekly.com/bisping-announced-as-ultimate-fighter-9-coach-2 |title=BISPING ANNOUNCED AS ULTIMATE FIGHTER 9 COACH- MMA WEEKLY – Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date= 18 October 2008 |access-date=26 July 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/13036/michael-bisping-in-as-tuf9-coach-dan-henderson-and-rich-franklin-possible.mma |title=Michael Bisping in as "TUF9" coach; Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin possible |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=17 October 2008 |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725175630/http://mmajunkie.com/news/13036/michael-bisping-in-as-tuf9-coach-dan-henderson-and-rich-franklin-possible.mma |archive-date=25 July 2009 }} The other coach was the former PRIDE 205lb & 185lb Champion Dan Henderson. After the show's conclusion, Bisping fought Henderson at UFC 100 on 11 July 2009 at Mandalay Bay.Ben Blackmore (20 February 2009) [https://web.archive.org/web/20090223140349/http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/02/20/UFC-Dana-White-confirms-many-fights/gnid-41192/ GSP, Alves and Bisping all confirmed for UFC 100]. setanta.com The fight was believed to be an eliminator for the UFC Middleweight Championship top contender spot. Bisping was knocked out by Henderson with an overhand right while he was circling to his left. Henderson followed up with a strike after Bisping had fallen to the ground before the fight was stopped. It was Bisping's first knockout loss.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/7/11/945539/ufc-100-results-dan-henderson|title=UFC 100 Results: Dan Henderson Crushes Michael Bisping|work=Bloody Elbow|access-date=17 May 2018|archive-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704063431/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/7/11/945539/ufc-100-results-dan-henderson|url-status=dead}} Bisping could not remember the fight after the knockout, thinking that the fight was scheduled to take place two months later.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2014/2/6/5387682/michael-bisping-doesnt-remember-dan-henderson-knockout-ufc-100|title=What's Going On? Bisping Doesn't Remember Hendo KO|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=17 May 2018|author=Adam Guillen Jr.}}
{{blockquote|
I fought Dan Henderson in 2009 and I lost and that was at UFC 100. UFC 100 was the biggest pay-per-view the company's ever done. 1.6 million pay-per-view buys, watched all over the world, and of course, I get knocked out cold after talking lots of smack leading up to the fight. So I got my {{sic|just| desserts}} in that one. After the fight, I don't remember anything. I remember being in the showers and I didn't have a clue what was going on. I was saying to my manager at the time, 'I can't be knocked out cause I'm not fighting for another two months, what the hell are you talking about?' and then these people come and go 'Michael we need to take you to the hospital. I'm like I'm not going to the hospital and then I'd say again, 'what's going on', I'd just keep repeating myself.
}}
Bisping faced Spirit MC and PRIDE veteran Denis Kang at UFC 105 on 14 November 2009.{{cite web |url=http://insidefights.com/2009/08/21/report-michael-bisping-vs-denis-kang-to-headline-ufc-105/ |title=Report: Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang at UFC 105 |publisher=Inside Fights |date=16 August 2009 |access-date=21 August 2009 |archive-date=25 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825062651/http://insidefights.com/2009/08/21/report-michael-bisping-vs-denis-kang-to-headline-ufc-105/ |url-status=dead }} Bisping won by second round TKO.{{cite web|url=http://mmaweekly.com/bisping-finishes-kang-at-ufc-105-2 |title=BISPING FINISHES KANG AT UFC 105- MMA WEEKLY – Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date=14 November 2009 |access-date=26 July 2010|author=Jeff Cain}} The fight was awarded Fight of the Night, giving both Kang and Bisping a $40,000 bonus.{{cite web|author=John Morgan |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/16854/ufc-105-fighter-bonuses-40000-awards-issued-to-quartet-of-fighters.mma |title=UFC 105 fighter bonuses: Bisping, Kang, Siver and Etim each earn $40K |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=14 November 2009 |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205071147/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16854/ufc-105-fighter-bonuses-40000-awards-issued-to-quartet-of-fighters.mma |archive-date=5 February 2010 }}
Bisping next faced former PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva at UFC 110 on 21 February 2010.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17194/nogueira-vs-velasquez-bisping-vs-silva-official-for-ufc-110-nogueira-vs-velasquez.mma |title=Nogueira vs. Velasquez, Bisping vs. Silva Official for "UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez" |access-date=24 June 2010 |publisher=MMAJUNKIE.com |date=13 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525141444/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17194/nogueira-vs-velasquez-bisping-vs-silva-official-for-ufc-110-nogueira-vs-velasquez.mma |archive-date=25 May 2012 }} Silva won via unanimous decision.{{cite web|author=Zak Woods |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/2/21/1319863/ufc-110-results-recap-from-last |title=UFC 110 results recap from last night for 'Nogueira vs Velasquez' |publisher=MMA Mania |date=21 February 2010 |access-date=26 July 2010}}{{cite web |author=John Morgan |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/18024/ufc-110-main-card-recap-velasquez-stuns-nogueira-in-first-silva-returns-to-win-column.mma |title=UFC 110 main card recap: Velasquez stuns Nogueira in first, Silva returns to win column |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=21 February 2010 |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717074241/http://mmajunkie.com/news/18024/ufc-110-main-card-recap-velasquez-stuns-nogueira-in-first-silva-returns-to-win-column.mma |archive-date=17 July 2010 }}
Bisping defeated Dan Miller by unanimous decision on 29 May 2010 at UFC 114.{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/bisping-vs-miller-likely-for-ufc-114-in-las-vegas-2 |title= Bisping vs. Miller likely for UFC 114 in Las Vegas |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |date=1 March 2010|author=Damon Martin}}
Bisping faced and defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama on 16 October 2010 at UFC 120, winning 30–27 on all three judges' scorecards.Damon Martin (16 October 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20101018094649/http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12906&zoneid=13 UFC 120: BISPING DECISIONS AKIYAMA]. mmaweekly.com Though Bisping was rocked early in the fight by Akiyama, he regained his composure and landed combinations repeatedly on Akiyama to sweep all three judges scorecards.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafrenzy.com/16274/ufc-120-results-for-%E2%80%9Cbisping-vs-akiyama%E2%80%9D/|title=UFC 120 Results for "Bisping vs. Akiyama" - MMA Frenzy|date=16 October 2010|work=MMA Frenzy|access-date=17 May 2018|language=en-US}} The fight was awarded Fight of the Night award.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2010/10/ufc-120-bonuses-bisping-akiyama-condit-and-sass-earn-50k-fighter-awards|title=UFC 120 bonuses: Bisping, Akiyama, Condit and Sass earn $60K awards (Updated)|date=16 October 2010|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=17 May 2018|language=en-US|author=John Morgan}}
Bisping faced off in an emotionally charged fight against Jorge Rivera on 26 February 2011 at UFC 127. Both fighters had trash-talked each other before the fight and were restrained at the weigh-in during a verbal argument. Bisping dominated the first round scoring a few takedowns until he delivered an illegal knee to the head of Rivera. A point was taken from Bisping and, after a lengthy halt to the action, the fight continued. The fight ended with a TKO from Bisping in the second round. Bisping spat at Rivera's cornerman after the fight and angrily confronted Rivera about pre-fight comments that Bisping thought disparaged his family. Rivera denied the comments and attempted to make amends but Bisping told him to "go home" and called him a "loser." He immediately apologized in the post-match interview.[http://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/76460.html Michael Bisping tells 'loser' Jorge Rivera to go home after TKO victory at UFC 127 | UFC News]. ESPN.co.uk (27 February 2011). Retrieved 27 April 2011. In the aftermath of the incident Bisping faced "disciplinary actions" and was fined his win bonus.Mike Chiappetta (28 February 2011) [https://web.archive.org/web/20110304182507/http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/02/28/michael-bisping-to-be-disciplined-for-ufc-127-spitting-incident/2 Michael Bisping to Be Disciplined for UFC 127 Spitting Incident]. MMA Fighting. Retrieved 27 April 2011. Multiple fighters subsequently came forward and said that they wanted to fight Bisping in light of the incident, including UFC middleweight notables such as Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Demian Maia, Alan Belcher and Nate Marquardt.[http://mmaweekly.com/chael-sonnen-wants-to-face-michael-bisping-next-in-the-ufc Chael Sonnen Wants To Face Michael Bisping Next in the UFC]. MMAWeekly.com (28 February 2011). Retrieved 27 April 2011.Dann Stupp (18 March 2011) [http://mmajunkie.com/news/22879/when-spit-happened-ufc-128s-marquardt-lost-all-respect-for-bisping.mma When spit happened, UFC 128's Marquardt lost all respect for Bisping] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321174410/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22879/when-spit-happened-ufc-128s-marquardt-lost-all-respect-for-bisping.mma |date=21 March 2011 }}. MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
On 27 May 2011, it was revealed that Bisping would be one of the coaches of The Ultimate Fighter 14 opposite Jason Miller.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23764/report-the-ultimate-fighter-14-coaches-michael-bisping-and-mayhem-miller.mma |title="The Ultimate Fighter 14" coaches? Michael Bisping and "Mayhem" Miller |access-date=27 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530052541/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23764/report-the-ultimate-fighter-14-coaches-michael-bisping-and-mayhem-miller.mma |archive-date=30 May 2011 }} There were concerns that Miller had spies in Bisping's training camp, but Bisping was confident that was not true.{{cite web|url=http://www.mixingmartialarts.com/index.php/2011/11/michael-bisping-knows-jason-miller-could-not-put-spies-in-his-camp|title=Michael Bisping Knows Jason Miller Could Not Put Spies in his Camp|publisher=mixingmartialarts.com|date=November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202225034/http://www.mixingmartialarts.com/index.php/2011/11/michael-bisping-knows-jason-miller-could-not-put-spies-in-his-camp|archive-date=2 December 2011}} Bisping defeated Miller via third round TKO on 3 December 2011 at The Ultimate Fighter 14 finale.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23786/michael-bisping-vs-mayhem-miller-slated-for-the-ultimate-fighter-14-finale.mma|title=Michael Bisping vs. Jason "Mayhem" Miller slated for The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=29 May 2011|author=Dann Stupp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601211502/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23786/michael-bisping-vs-mayhem-miller-slated-for-the-ultimate-fighter-14-finale.mma|archive-date=1 June 2011}}
Bisping was expected to face Demian Maia on 28 January 2012 at UFC on Fox 2.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2011/12/michael-bisping-vs-demian-maia-added-to-ufc-on-fox-2 |title=Michael Bisping vs. Demian Maia added to UFC on FOX 2 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |author=Dann Stupp |date=7 December 2011 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101101300/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2011/12/michael-bisping-vs-demian-maia-added-to-ufc-on-fox-2 |archive-date=1 January 2013 }} However, an injury forced Mark Muñoz out of his bout on the same card with Chael Sonnen and Bisping instead fought Sonnen for a chance to challenge Anderson Silva for the Middleweight title.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27013/munoz-out-at-ufc-on-fox-2-bisping-vs-sonnen-now-meet-for-shot-at-champ-silva.mma |title=Munoz out at UFC on FOX 2; Bisping vs. Sonnen now set for shot at champ Silva |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=17 January 2012 |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119072000/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27013/munoz-out-at-ufc-on-fox-2-bisping-vs-sonnen-now-meet-for-shot-at-champ-silva.mma |archive-date=19 January 2012 }} Sonnen defeated Bisping via unanimous decision.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2012/1/29/2755675/ufc-on-fox-2-results-chael-sonnen-vs-michael-bisping-fight-metric|title=UFC on FOX 2 results: Chael Sonnen vs Michael Bisping fight metric report shows judges made the right call|work=MMAmania.com|access-date=17 May 2018}}
Bisping was expected to face Tim Boetsch on 21 July 2012 at UFC 149.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28481/michael-bisping-vs-tim-boetsch-moves-from-ufc-148-to-ufc-149-in-calgary.mma |title=Michael Bisping vs. Tim Boetsch moves from UFC 148 to UFC 149 in Calgary |work=MMAjunkie.com |date=30 April 2012 |author=Steven Marrocco |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504030055/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28481/michael-bisping-vs-tim-boetsch-moves-from-ufc-148-to-ufc-149-in-calgary.mma |archive-date=4 May 2012 }} However, Bisping was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Hector Lombard.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/6/7/3069757/ufc-149-hector-lombard-vs-tim-boetsch-fight-set-michael-bisping-hurt|title=Hector Lombard vs Tim Boetsch fight set for July 21 with Michael Bisping injured |publisher=mmamania.com |author=Gene Mrosko |date= 7 June 2012}}
Bisping faced Brian Stann on 22 September 2012 at UFC 152.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/7/14/3158966/michael-bisping-vs-brian-stann-booked-for-ufc-152-on-sept-22-in-toronto|title=Michael Bisping vs Brian Stann booked for UFC 152 on Sept. 22 in Toronto |publisher=mmamania.com |author=Gene Mrosko |date= 14 July 2012}} Bisping won the fight via unanimous decision.John Morgan (22 September 2012) [http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/09/ufc-152-results-michael-bisping-vs-brian-stann UFC 152 results: Michael Bisping outboxes, outwrestles Brian Stann for decision win]. mmajunkie.com
Bisping faced former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort on 19 January 2013 at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping in a fight which would have given Bisping a title shot had he won. However, he lost the fight via second-round TKO after getting hit flush by a head kick. According to Bisping, this kick caused the retinal detachment of his right eye. Fear of not being able to compete again prevented him from seeing a doctor.{{Cite news|url=https://mmainsight.com/news/michael-bisping-details-career-threatening-detached-retina-injury|title=Michael Bisping Details His Career Threatening Detached Retina Injury|last=Cole|first=Ross|date=1 October 2013|work=MMA Insight|access-date=17 May 2018}}
Bisping went on to face Alan Belcher on 27 April 2013 at UFC 159. In the first round Bisping managed to out-box his opponent and score a brief trip takedown, in addition to landing a solid knee. Bisping then stepped up the pace of the fight in round 2, landing some heavy kicks and multiple combinations of punches. The fight was stopped at 4:29 of round 3 as Bisping inadvertently poked Belcher in the eye, rendering Belcher unable to continue. Bisping won the bout via unanimous technical decision.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2013/4/28/4276398/ufc-159-results-michael-bisping-defeats-alan-belcher-by-technical|title=UFC 159 results: Bisping defeats Belcher|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=17 May 2018}}
Bisping was expected to face Mark Muñoz on 26 October 2013 at UFC Fight Night 30.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/michael-bisping-vs-mark-munoz-targeted-for-ufc-return-to-manchester-on-oct-26|title=Michael Bisping vs. Mark Munoz targeted for UFC return to Manchester on Oct. 26 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=John Morgan |date= 12 July 2013}} However, after symptoms of his detached retina became too bad he decided to undergo surgery.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/29/4783680/michael-bisping-apologizes-to-fans-for-eye-injury-that-forced-him|title=Michael Bisping apologizes to fans for eye injury that forced him from bout with Mark Munoz |newspaper=mmamania.com|author=Matthew Roth|date=29 September 2013|access-date=29 September 2013}} He pulled out of the bout on 27 September and was replaced by Lyoto Machida.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/michael-bisping-out-at-ufc-fight-night-30-lyoto-machida-now-faces-mark-munoz |title=Michael Bisping out at UFC Fight Night 30, Lyoto Machida now faces Mark Munoz |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |date=27 September 2013 |access-date=27 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927224902/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/09/michael-bisping-out-at-ufc-fight-night-30-lyoto-machida-now-faces-mark-munoz |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}
After nearly a year away from the sport due to his eye injury, Bisping returned to face Tim Kennedy on 16 April 2014 at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/01/michael-bisping-cleared-for-tuf-nations-finale-headliner-with-tim-kennedy/|title=Michael Bisping cleared for TUF Nations Finale headliner with Tim Kennedy|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=30 January 2014|access-date=30 January 2014}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/4/16/5622960/tuf-nations-finale-results-tim-kennedy-gets-the-best-of-michael|title=Kennedy betters Bisping at TUF Nations Finale|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=17 May 2018}}
In April 2014, it was reported that both Bisping and Brad Tavares were interested in a potential fight.{{cite web | url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/michael-bisping-and-brad-tavares-show-interest-in-potential-fight | title=Michael Bisping And Brad Tavares Show Interest In Potential Fight | publisher=Fight of the Night | date=22 April 2014 | access-date=4 May 2014 | author=Cole, Ross}} However, in May 2014, it was announced that Bisping would face Cung Le on 23 August 2014 at UFC Fight Night 48.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/5/25/5749104/cung-le-vs-michael-bisping-headlines-august-macau-card-hector-lombard |title=Cung Le vs. Michael Bisping headlines August Macau card, Hector Lombard vs. Dong Hyun Kim to serve as co-main event |publisher=MMAfighting.com |author=Luke Thomas|date=24 May 2014|access-date=24 May 2014}} Bisping won the one-sided fight via TKO in the fourth round.{{cite web|url=http://www.lowkickmma.com/UFC/ufc_fight_night_48_recap_michael_bisping_destroys_cung_le_303795|title=UFC Fight Night 48 Recap: Michael Bisping Destroys Cung Le|author=Buster Evans|publisher=lowkickmma.com|access-date=23 August 2014|date=23 August 2014}} The win also earned Bisping his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/08/ufc-fight-night-48-bonuses-no-50000-fight-of-the-night-awards|title=UFC Fight Night 48 bonuses: No $50,000 'Fight of the Night' awards|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=23 August 2014|date=23 August 2014}}
Bisping faced Luke Rockhold on 8 November 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/michael-bisping-vs-luke-rockhold-set-for-nov-8-in-australia|title=Michael Bisping vs. Luke Rockhold set for Nov. 8 in Australia |publisher=mmajunkie|author=Staff|access-date=5 September 2014|date=5 September 2014}} He lost the fight in the second round after being dropped by a head kick and then submitted with a guillotine choke.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2014/11/7/7176745/ufc-fight-night-55-results-luke-rockhold-submits-michael-bisping-one-armed-guillotine|title=UFC Fight Night 55 results: Luke Rockhold submits Michael Bisping with a one-armed guillotine|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Gene Mrosko|date=7 November 2014|access-date=7 November 2014}}
Bisping faced C.B. Dollaway on 25 April 2015 at UFC 186.{{cite web|url=http://cagepages.com/2015/01/17/michael-bisping-vs-cb-dollaway-booked-ufc-186/|title=Michael Bisping vs. CB Dollaway booked for UFC 186 |publisher=cagepages.com|author=Sean Bio|access-date=17 January 2015|date=17 January 2015}} Bisping won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/ufc-186-results-michael-bisping-tops-c-b-dollaway-in-back-and-forth-slugfest|title=UFC 186 results: Michael Bisping tops C.B. Dollaway in back-and-forth slugfest|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=25 April 2015|access-date=25 April 2015}}
Bisping faced Thales Leites on 18 July 2015 at UFC Fight Night 72.{{cite web|url=http://mmacrazytv.com/2015/05/25/bisping-vs-leites-at-ufc-glasgow/|title=Michael Bisping vs. Leites booked for UFC Fight Night Glasgow|publisher=mmacrazytv.com|author=Lee Williams|access-date=25 May 2015|date=25 May 2015|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525145520/http://mmacrazytv.com/2015/05/25/bisping-vs-leites-at-ufc-glasgow/|archive-date=25 May 2015}} He won the back-and-forth fight by split decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-fight-night-72-results-michael-bisping-survives-thales-leites-with-split-call|title=UFC Fight Night 72 results: Michael Bisping survives Thales Leites with split call|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=18 July 2015|access-date=18 July 2015}}
Bisping was expected to face Robert Whittaker on 15 November 2015 at UFC 193.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-michael-bisping-vs-robert-whittaker-targeted-for-ufc-193-in-australia-081915|title=Michael Bisping vs. Robert Whittaker targeted for UFC 193 in Australia|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=19 August 2015|access-date=19 August 2015}} However, it was announced on 30 September 2015 that Bisping had withdrawn from the bout, citing an elbow injury, and been replaced by Uriah Hall.{{cite web|title = Michael Bisping withdraws from UFC 193, Whittaker now faces Hall on Nov. 14|url = http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Michael-Bisping-Withdraws-from-UFC-193-Whittaker-Now-Faces-Hall-on-Nov-14-93321|website = Sherdog|access-date = 1 October 2015|last = Sherdog.com}}
Bisping was briefly linked to a fight with Gegard Mousasi on 27 February 2016 at UFC Fight Night 84.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/12/michael-bisping-vs-gegard-mousasi-headlines-ufc-fight-night-83-in-london|title=Michael Bisping vs. Gegard Mousasi set for UFC Fight Night 83 in London|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=1 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2015}} However, on 24 December, Bisping was pulled from the bout in favour of a match-up with Anderson Silva at the same event.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/14433836/middleweights-anderson-silva-michael-bisping-headline-ufc-event-london-feb-27|title=Anderson Silva, Michael Bisping to headline UFC event in London|author=Brett Okamoto|publisher=ESPN|date=25 December 2015|access-date=25 December 2015}} Bisping won the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/ufc-fight-night-84-results-michael-bisping-tops-anderson-silva-in-crazy-bloody-war|title=UFC Fight Night 84 results: Michael Bisping tops Anderson Silva in crazy, bloody war|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=27 February 2016|access-date=27 February 2016}} Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honours.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-London-Bonuses-Bisping-Silva-Askham-Packalen-Earn-3650K-100945|title=UFC Fight Night London Bonuses: Bisping, Silva, Askham, Packalen earn $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=27 February 2016|access-date=27 February 2016}}
== UFC Middleweight Champion ==
With an injury to Chris Weidman forcing him to pull out of the fight, Bisping stepped up on only 17 days' notice to face champion Luke Rockhold for a second time on 4 June 2016 at UFC 199.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/5/18/11702070/michael-bisping-in-to-face-luke-rockhold-at-ufc-199-with-chris|title=Michael Bisping in to face Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 with Chris Weidman out|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=18 May 2016|access-date=18 May 2016}} He won via knockout in the first round to become the UFC Middleweight Champion and the first British UFC champion.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/06/ufc-199-results-michael-bisping-knocks-out-luke-rockhold-in-first-to-win-middleweight-title|title=UFC 199 results: Michael Bisping knocks out Luke Rockhold in first to win middleweight title|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=5 June 2016}} He was awarded Performance of the Night honours.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/6/5/11860708/ufc-199-bonuses-michael-bisping-earns-50000-for-first-round-ko-of|title=UFC 199 bonuses: Michael Bisping earns $50,000 for first-round KO of Luke Rockhold|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=5 June 2016|author=Hunter A. Homistek}} The result was considered by many MMA media outlets to be one of the biggest upsets in the UFC title fight history, as Bisping took the fight on short notice and had been submitted in their first encounter 18 months earlier.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2644625-the-upset-that-shocked-the-world-how-michael-bisping-beat-luke-rockhold|title=How Michael Bisping Shocked Luke Rockhold, MMA World|last=Snowden|first=Jonathan|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=20 June 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/6/5/11860540/ufc-199-results-biggest-winners-losers-from-rockhold-vs-bisping-2-california|title=UFC 199 results: Biggest winners, losers from 'Rockhold vs Bisping 2' last night in California|last=Schlinsky|first=Alex|date=5 June 2016|website=MMAmania.com|access-date=20 June 2016}}
Bisping faced Dan Henderson in a rematch on 8 October 2016 at UFC 204.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/8/4/12383476/michael-bisping-vs-dan-henderson-2-agreed-for-ufc-204|title=Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson 2 agreed for UFC 204|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=4 August 2016|access-date=4 August 2016}} Bisping won the fight via unanimous decision and retained the UFC Middleweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/ufc-204-results-michael-bisping-keeps-belt-with-decision-over-dan-henderson-in-classic-brawl|title=UFC 204 results: Michael Bisping keeps belt with decision over Dan Henderson in classic brawl|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=9 October 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}} Both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night for their performance.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-204-Bonuses-Bisping-Henderson-Manuwa-Alcantara-Pocket-3650K-112203|title= UFC 204 bonuses: Bisping, Henderson, Manuwa, Alcântara pocket $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=8 October 2016|access-date=9 October 2016}}
On 1 March 2017 while on SportsCenter, Dana White announced that Bisping's next title defense would be against the returning former UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre sometime in 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/st-pierre-will-face-middleweight-champion-bisping-in-ufc-return-bout-1.684577|title=St-Pierre will face middleweight champion Bisping in UFC return bout – Article – TSN|date=1 March 2017|work=TSN|access-date=1 March 2017}} However, on 11 May 2017, White announced the fight had been cancelled. The UFC and Bisping had wanted to have the fight at UFC 213, as part of International Fight Week in Las Vegas, but St-Pierre announced on his Instagram page that he needed more training to meet the 185-pound weight and would not be ready to fight until November.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/19355640/dana-white-calls-georges-st-pierre-comeback-fight-vs-michael-bisping|title=Dana White: Georges St-Pierre-Michael Bisping bout called off|date=11 May 2017|work=ESPN|access-date=15 May 2017}} The pairing eventually took place on 4 November 2017 in the main event at UFC 217.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/08/ufc-217-official-title-fights-michael-bisping-georges-st-pierre-cody-garbrandt-tj-dillashaw|title=Bisping-GSP, Garbrandt-Dillashaw title fights among 7 official for UFC 217|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=16 August 2017|access-date=16 August 2017}} Bisping lost the bout via technical submission due to a rear-naked choke in the third round.{{Cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-ufc-217-live-updates-st-pierre-vs-middleweight-title-michael-bisping-vs-1509855433-htmlstory.html|title=UFC 217 live updates: St-Pierre wins middleweight title by submitting Bisping|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=5 November 2017|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}
== Post-UFC championship and retirement ==
Three weeks after losing the Middleweight title, on 25 November 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum, Bisping faced Kelvin Gastelum as a replacement for Anderson Silva, who had been suspended by USADA due to failing a drug test.{{cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/8/10/16127884/anderson-silva-vs-kelvin-gastelum-agreed-upon-for-ufc-shanghai|title=Anderson Silva vs. Kelvin Gastelum agreed upon for UFC Shanghai |publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|date=10 August 2017|access-date=10 August 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/11/michael-bisping-vs-kelvin-gastelum-ufc-shanghai-anderson-silva-replacement|title=Michael Bisping to fight Kelvin Gastelum at UFC-Shanghai just 3 weeks after title loss|date=12 November 2017|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=12 November 2017|language=en-US}} He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/11/25/16698588/ufc-shanghai-results-kelvin-gastelum-stops-michael-bisping-first-round|title=UFC Shanghai results: Kelvin Gastelum knocks out Michael Bisping in first round|work=MMA Fighting|access-date=26 November 2017}}
On 28 May 2018, Bisping officially announced his retirement from MMA competition.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/05/former-ufc-champion-tuf-winner-michael-bisping-announces-retirement|title=Former UFC champion, 'TUF' winner Michael Bisping announces retirement|date=29 May 2018|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=29 May 2018}} In late December 2018, Bisping appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, elaborating on his retirement from MMA, which he said was due to eye injury suffered in the fight with Kelvin Gastelum.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/michael-bisping-was-prepared-to-retire-if-he-lost-to-luck-rockhold-at-ufc-199|title=Michael Bisping Was Prepared to Retire If He Lost to Luke Rockhold at UFC 199|author=Jeff Cain|date=14 December 2018|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}
{{blockquote|I started having issues with my good eye as well after the Gastelum fight. I was like, this isn't worth it. The reason I retired was the Gastelum fight.}}
On 16 March 2019, it was announced at UFC Fight Night: Till vs. Masvidal that Bisping would be inducted in the UFC Hall of Fame under the modern era wing.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2019/03/michael-bisping-ufc-hall-of-fame-class-of-2019|title=Former champ Michael Bisping to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame|author=Mike Bohn |date=16 March 2019|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}
On 1 November 2019, he released his book Quitters Never Win: My Life in UFC.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Book-Review-Michael-Bispings-Quitters-Never-Win-165583|title=Book Review: Michael Bisping's 'Quitters Never Win'|last=Sherdog.com|website=Sherdog|access-date=9 December 2019}}
Acting career
On 6 April 2016, Bisping announced that he had landed a role in the film XXX: Return of Xander Cage.[https://www.instagram.com/p/BD4Db1AStdr/ Instagram]. Instagram (6 April 2016). Retrieved 23 June 2016.[http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/4/7/11381658/ufc-michael-bisping-lands-role-in-xxx-movie-mma-news Michael Bisping lands role in XXX movie]. Bloody Elbow (7 April 2016). Retrieved on 23 June 2016. Later that month, Bisping revealed that he is a fan of the 1990s television series Twin Peaks and that he had gained a small role in the 2017 continuation of the series.[https://www.instagram.com/p/BEpSi_LStSv/ Instagram]. Instagram (26 April 2016). Retrieved on 7 October 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://qz.com/669845/the-cast-for-the-twin-peaks-revival-includes-rock-stars-a-ufc-fighter-michael-cera-and-over-200-others/|title=The 217-member cast of the new Twin Peaks includes rock stars, a UFC fighter, and Michael Cera|last=Epstein|first=Adam|work=Quartz|access-date=29 June 2017|language=en-US}} He portrayed Roy Shaw in the sports drama film My Name Is Lenny.{{Cite news|url=https://hiddenremote.com/2016/08/11/michael-bisping-cast-co-lead-name-lenny/|title=Michael Bisping Cast As Co-Lead In 'My Name Is Lenny'|date=11 August 2016|work=Hidden Remote|access-date=17 May 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704035056/https://hiddenremote.com/2016/08/11/michael-bisping-cast-co-lead-name-lenny/|url-status=dead}} Bisping also had a short cameo at the end of the 2018 film Den of Thieves.{{cite news|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259528/fullcredits|title=Den of Thieves (2018)|access-date=3 December 2020|work=IMDb}} He reprised his role in a larger capacity for the sequel Den of Thieves 2: Pantera.
In 2018, Bisping was announced as one of the four presenters of the reality competition series Hyperdrive, which would be released on Netflix on 21 August 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/hyperdrive-on-netflix-charlize-therons-car-rodeo-is-a-gloriously-fullthrottle-joy-ride-a4223086.html |title=Hyperdrive on Netflix: Charlize Theron's car rodeo is a gloriously full-throttle joy ride |website=Evening Standard |date=28 August 2019 |access-date=30 August 2019}}
In November 2020, it was announced that Bisping would be playing the main role in a boxing movie titled The Journeyman, based on Mark Turley's book.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/11/9/21556693/ex-ufc-champ-michael-bisping-set-for-lead-role-in-boxing-movie-the-journeyman|title=Ex-UFC champ Michael Bisping set for lead role in boxing movie 'The Journeyman'|author=Damon Martin|date=9 November 2020|publisher=mmafighting.com|accessdate=28 July 2023}} That same month, Bisping appeared as a tournament fighter, Dolph, in the HBO Max series Warrior.{{Cite web |last=Heffernan |first=Brian |title=When did Michael Bisping make his acting debut? |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-when-michael-bisping-make-acting-debut |access-date=6 August 2022 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |date=9 June 2022 |language=en-us}}
Personal life
Bisping met his Australian wife, Rebecca, in Manchester. The couple have three children and reside in Orange County, California.[https://twitter.com/rebeccaS30 rebeccaS30]. twitter.com Their eldest son Callum is an accomplished wrestler, a CIF champion as a high schooler who currently competes in NCAA Division II out of San Francisco State University.{{Cite web|title=Michael Bisping's teenage son looks like an absolute bad ass|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/michael-bispings-teenage-son-looks-like-an-absolute-bad-ass-125220|access-date=2020-07-05|website=SportsJOE.ie|date=30 May 2017 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Callum Bisping - 2019-20 - San Francisco State|url=http://sfstategators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4075|access-date=2020-07-05|website=sfstategators.com|language=en}} Their third child was born just before Bisping set off to the USA for final preparation in his fight against Dan Miller.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bisping |title=michael (bisping) on Twitter |work=Twitter |access-date=26 July 2010}}
Bisping suffers from strabismus, which is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned when looking at an object. This was caused by a detached retina injury from the fight with Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping in 2013, which Bisping lost via technical knockout in round two. The loss was considered controversial, as at that time Belfort was on testosterone replacement therapy. Bisping stated his satisfaction after Belfort lost via a knockout from a front kick by Lyoto Machida on 12 May 2018 at UFC 224, in his retirement fight.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mmanews.com/michael-bisping-retirement-vitor-belfort/|title=Michael Bisping: It's Very Satisfying to See Vitor Belfort Lose • MMA News|date=16 May 2018|work=MMA News|access-date=17 May 2018|language=en-US}}
{{blockquote|
It's very satisfying to see him [Vitor Belfort] lose if I'm honest. I don't care for the guy. I think he's built a career off being a cheat. The amount of insane steroids over his life, over his career, is evident to see. I mean you go back and look at his early career, the guy was insanely jacked. When we fought he was insanely jacked, and now you look at him and he looks like a f*cking beat up old man. And he's getting knocked out like so and performing like so.
}}
Bisping later lost all vision in his right eye, and wore an unsatisfactory cosmetic lens for some time before learning of an optician near his home who was able to manufacture a latex cosmetic which perfectly matched his real eye; he wears these to this day, calling it "the best three thousand dollars I ever spent in my life."{{Cite web|title=The Story Behind Michael Bisping's Right Eye, Explained|date=23 October 2021 |url=https://www.thesportster.com/story-behind-michael-bisping-eye-explained-ufc/}}
Bisping's moniker, "The Count", was given by a ring announcer during a fight.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/100-fighter-nickname-origins|title=100 fighter nickname origins|work=The Underground|access-date=17 May 2018}}
{{blockquote|
My old manager told the ring announcer to introduce me as The Count. I said no at first, but I'm actually a Count in Poland (grandfather was a Polish Count). It embarrasses me a little bit. I made the mistake of telling someone at school and I was subsequently made fun of.
}}
Bisping made his UFC colour commentary debut on 2 February 2019 at UFC Fight Night 144 in Fortaleza, Brazil,{{Cite web |date=2021-04-04 |title=Michael Bisping wants opportunity to work alongside 'OG of UFC commentators' Joe Rogan |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/04/michael-bisping-wants-opportunity-to-work-alongside-og-of-ufc-commentators-joe-rogan |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} after several appearances in the Dana White‘s Tuesday Night Contender Series commentary team in 2018.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-11 |title=Michael Bisping Joins UFC Commentary Team with Move to ESPN in 2019 {{!}} MMAWeekly.com |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/michael-bisping-joins-ufc-commentary-team-with-move-to-espn-in-2019 |access-date=2022-11-05 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Matt Boone |date=2018-06-05 |title=Bisping Joins DWTNCS As Announcer, License Issues Led To Retirement? |url=https://www.mmanews.com/2018/06/michael-bisping-joins-dwtncs-commentary/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=MMA News |language=en-US}} He then made his UFC pay-per-view commentary debut on 12 July 2020 at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-11 |title=UFC 271 commentary team set: Joe Rogan won't call event; Michael Bisping makes U.S. PPV debut |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-271-commentary-team-set-joe-rogan-wont-call-event-michael-bisping-makes-ppv-event |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |language=en-US}} In 2023 he started commentating for Power Slap.[https://www.si.com/mma/2023/02/01/michael-bisping-power-slap-ufc-287-israel-adesanya-alex-pereira Michael Bisping seizes moment in Color Commentary Role for Power Slap]
Bisping is a Manchester United fan.{{cite tweet|number=703686052226195457|user=ManUtd|title=All the best to #mufc fan Michael @Bisping in his @UFC bout with @SpiderAnderson tonight!|accessdate=27 February 2016|date=27 February 2016}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Hall of Fame (Modern wing, Class of 2019)
- UFC Middleweight Championship (one time)
- One successful title defence vs. Dan Henderson
- First British champion in UFC history
- The Ultimate Fighter 3 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner
- Fight of the Night (Five times) vs. Elvis Sinosic, Denis Kang, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson 1[http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC-70-NATIONS-COLLIDE UFC® 70]. Ufc.com (18 June 2016). Retrieved on 23 June 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-105-Bonuses-20944|title=UFC 105 bonuses|publisher=sherdog.com|date=14 November 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-120-Bonuses-Four-Fighters-Bank-3660K-27556|title=UFC 120 bonuses: Four fighters bank $60K|publisher=sherdog.com|date=16 October 2010|author=Brian Knapp}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-London-Bonuses-Bisping-Silva-Askham-Packalen-Earn-3650K-100945|title=UFC Fight Night London bonuses: Bisping, Silva, Askham, Packalen earn $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|date=27 February 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-204-Bonuses-Bisping-Henderson-Manuwa-Alcantara-Pocket-3650K-112203|title=UFC 204 bonuses: Bisping, Henderson, Manuwa, Alcantara pocket $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|date=8 October 2016}}
- Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Cung Le and Luke Rockhold 2{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-Macao-Bonuses-Bisping-Woodley-Mina-Sasaki-Win-3650K-72351|title=UFC Fight Night Macao bonuses: Bisping, Woodley, Mina, Sasaki win $50K|publisher=sherdog.com|date=23 August 2014|author=Mike Fridley}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-199-Bonuses-Bisping-Henderson-Reyes-Kim-Receive-3650K-Awards-105973|title=UFC 199 bonuses: Bisping, Henderson, Reyes, Kim receive $50K awards|publisher=sherdog.com|date=4 June 2016|author=Tristen Critchfield}}
- UFC Encyclopedia Awards
- Knockout of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Josh Haynes}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 233|isbn=978-0756683610}}
- Most wins in UFC Middleweight division history (16)
- Second most fights in UFC Middleweight division history (24) (behind Brad Tavares)
- Second most total fight time in UFC Middleweight division history (5:15:15) (behind Brad Tavares)
- Second most significant strikes landed in UFC Middleweight division history (1384) {{small|(behind Dricus du Plessis)}}{{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=MW|title=UFC Middleweight Stats|publisher=UFC|date=February 9, 2025}}
- Second most total strikes landed in UFC Middleweight division history (1654) {{small|(behind Chris Leben)}}
- Tied (Robert Whittaker) for third most decision wins in UFC Middleweight division history (9)
- Retired with most fights in UFC history (29);{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/05/michael-bisping-ufc-career-statistics-after-retirement|title=Look back at Michael Bisping's legendary UFC career statistics: A fighter in every sense|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2018-05-29|access-date=2024-08-18}} since surpassed by Jim Miller
- UFC.com Awards
- 2008: Ranked #10 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-fighters|title=The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Fighters|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 28, 2008|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
- 2009: Ranked #10 Upset of the Year {{small|vs. Denis Kang}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-upsets-2009|title=Ten Best – The Upsets of 2009|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 18, 2009|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
- 2016: Fighter of the Year,{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-10-best-fighters-2016|title=Top 10 - The Best Fighters of 2016|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 23, 2016|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} Ranked #7 Knockout of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-10-best-knockouts-2016|title=Top Ten - The Best Knockouts of 2016|date=December 21, 2016|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Upset of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-10-biggest-upsets-2016|title=Top 10 - The Biggest Upsets of 2016|date=December 20, 2016|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} {{small|vs. Luke Rockhold 2}}
- 2017: Ranked #9 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. Georges St-Pierre}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-fights-2017|title=The Top Ten Fights of 2017|date=January 5, 2018|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
- Cage Rage Championships
- Cage Rage Light Heavyweight Championship (one time)
- One successful title defense
- Cage Warriors Fighting Championship
- CWFC Light Heavyweight Championship (one time)
- Three successful title defenses
- FX3
- FX3 Light Heavyweight Championship (one time)
- World MMA Awards
- 2008 International Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=http://www.themmanews.com/fighters-only-world-mma-awards-results/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006135504/http://www.themmanews.com/fighters-only-world-mma-awards-results/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 October 2011|title=Contact Support|access-date=12 July 2015}}
- 2012 International Fighter of the Year{{cite web |last=Tucker |first=Bryan |title=World MMA Awards 2012 Results |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/11/3867210/2012-world-mma-awards-results |publisher=MMAFighting.com |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113084213/http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/11/3867210/2012-world-mma-awards-results |archive-date=January 13, 2013}}
- 2016 Upset of the Year vs. Luke Rockhold at UFC 199{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/3/2/14785422/world-mma-awards-2017-results|title=World MMA Awards 2017 Results|date=March 2, 2017|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Bryan Tucker}}
- 2021 Analyst of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/12/10/22827368/2021-world-mma-awards-results|title=2021 World MMA Awards Results|date=December 10, 2021|publisher=mmafighting.com}}
- 2022 Analyst of the Year{{cite web|author=MMA Fighting Newswire|date=2022-12-09|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/8/23499496/2022-world-mma-awards-results|title=2022 World MMA Awards Results|publisher=mmafighting.com|access-date=17 December 2022}}
- 2023 Analyst of the Year{{cite web|author=Bryan Tucker|date=2023-12-14|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/12/14/24000708/world-mma-awards-2023-results|title=World MMA Awards 2023 Results|publisher=mmafighting.com|access-date=15 December 2023}}
- 2024 Analyst of the Year{{Cite web |last=Tucker |first=Bryan |date=2024-12-05 |title=World MMA Awards 2024 results |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/12/5/24312714/world-mma-awards-2024-results |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}
- MMADNA.nl
- 2016 Upset of the Year vs. Luke Rockhold{{cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/mma-dna-ufc-awards-2016-de-uitslagen/|title=MMA DNA UFC Awards 2016 : De Uitslagen!!!|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=18 January 2017|language=en-US|access-date=28 January 2019}}
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 18
| ko-losses= 3
| sub-wins= 2
| sub-losses= 2
| dec-wins= 10
| dec-losses= 4
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|30–9
|KO (punch)
|UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum
|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|November|25}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:30
|Shanghai, China
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|30–8
|Technical Submission (rear-naked choke)
|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|November|4}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:23
|New York City, New York, United States
|{{small|Lost the UFC Middleweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|30–7
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|October|8}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|Manchester, England
|{{small|Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|29–7
|KO (punches)
|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|June|04}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:36
|Inglewood, California, United States
|{{small|Won the UFC Middleweight Championship. Performance of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|28–7
|Decision (unanimous)
|UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping
|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|February|27}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|London, England
|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|27–7
|Decision (split)
|UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites
|{{dts|format=dmy|2015|July|18}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|Glasgow, Scotland
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|26–7
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|format=dmy|2015|April|25}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 25–7
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Bisping
| {{dts|format=dmy|2014|November|8}}
| align=center|2
| align=center|0:57
| Sydney, Australia
|
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 25–6
| Cung Le
| TKO (knee and punches)
| UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Le
| {{dts|format=dmy|2014|August|23}}
| align=center| 4
| align=center| 0:57
| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 24–6
| Decision (unanimous)
| The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale: Bisping vs. Kennedy
| {{dts|format=dmy|2014|April|16}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
|
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 24–5
| Technical Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 159
| {{dts|format=dmy|2013|April|27}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:31
| Newark, New Jersey, United States
|{{small|An inadvertent eye poke rendered Belcher unable to continue any further.}}
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 23–5
| TKO (head kick and punches)
| UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping
| {{dts|format=dmy|2013|January|19}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:27
| São Paulo, Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 23–4
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 152
| {{dts|format=dmy|2012|September|22}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Toronto, Ontario, Canada
|
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 22–4
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|format=dmy|2012|January|28}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Chicago, Illinois, United States
| {{small|UFC Middleweight title eliminator.}}
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 22–3
| TKO (knees to the body and punches)
| The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller Finale
| {{dts|format=dmy|2011|December|3}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3:34
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 21–3
| TKO (punches)
| UFC 127
| {{dts|format=dmy|2011|February|27}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:54
| Sydney, Australia
| {{small|Bisping was deducted one point in round 1 after landing an illegal knee.}}
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 20–3
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 120
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|October|16}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| London, England
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}} Win
| align=center| 19–3
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 114
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|May|29}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 18–3
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 110
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|February|20}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Sydney, Australia
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–2
| TKO (punches)
| UFC 105
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009|November|14}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:24
| Manchester, England
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}} Loss
| align=center| 17–2
| KO (punch)
| UFC 100
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009|July|11}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 3:20
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|UFC Middleweight title eliminator.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 17–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 89
| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|October|18}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Birmingham, England
| |{{small|Leben tested positive for Stanozolol.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–1
| TKO (punches)
| UFC 85
| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|June|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:42
| London, England
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–1
| TKO (arm injury)
| UFC 83
| {{dts|format=dmy|2008|April|19}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:00
| Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| {{small|Middleweight debut.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 14–1
| Decision (split)
| UFC 78
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|November|17}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Newark, New Jersey, United States
|
|-
| {{Yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–0
| Decision (split)
| UFC 75
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|September|8}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| London, England
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–0
| TKO (punches)
| UFC 70
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|April|21}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:40
| Manchester, England
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–0
| TKO (punches)
| UFC 66
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|December|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:24
| Las Vegas, Nevada United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–0
| TKO (punches)
| The Ultimate Fighter: Team Ortiz vs. Team Shamrock Finale
| {{dts|format=dmy|2006|June|24}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:14
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|Won The Ultimate Fighter 3 Light Heavyweight Tournament.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–0
| Ross Pointon
| Submission (armbar)
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|November|26}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:00
| Coventry, England
| {{small|Defended the Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–0
| Jakob Lovstad
| TKO (submission to punches)
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|October|1}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:10
| Coventry, England
| {{small|Defended the Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–0
| Miika Mehmet
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|July|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:01
| Coventry, England
| {{small|Defended the Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–0
| Alex Cook
| Submission (choke)
| FX3: Xplosion
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|June|18}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:21
| Reading, England
| {{small|Won the FX3 Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–0
| Dave Radford
| TKO
| {{dts|format=dmy|2005|April|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:46
| Sheffield, England
| {{small|Won the inaugural Cage Warriors Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–0
| Mark Epstein
| KO (punch)
| {{dts|format=dmy|2004|November|27}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:43
| London, England
| {{small|Defended the Cage Rage Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0
| Andy Bridges
| KO
| Pride & Glory 3: Glory Days
| {{dts|format=dmy|2004|August|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:45
| Newcastle upon Tyne, England
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0
| Mark Epstein
| TKO (punches and knees)
| {{dts|format=dmy|2004|July|10}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:27
| London, England
| {{small|Won the Cage Rage Light Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| John Weir
| TKO (punches)
| UK MMA Championship 7: Rage & Fury
| {{dts|format=dmy|2004|May|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:50
| Manchester, England
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Steve Mathews
| TKO (strikes)
| Pride & Glory 2: Battle of the Ages
| {{dts|format=dmy|2004|April|10}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:38
| Newcastle upon Tyne, England
|
{{end}}
=Mixed martial arts exhibition record=
{{MMA record start}}
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 2–0
| Ross Pointon
| TKO (submission to punches)
| rowspan=2|The Ultimate Fighter: Team Ortiz vs. Team Shamrock
| 15 June 2006 (Air date)
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:13
|rowspan=2|{{flagicon|USA}} Las Vegas, Nevada
| {{small|The Ultimate Fighter 3 Semi Final bout.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 1–0
| Kristian Rothaermel
| TKO (punches)
| 27 April 2006 (Air date)
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:51
| {{small|The Ultimate Fighter 3 Quarter Final bout.}}
{{end}}
Submission grappling record
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:80%; text-align:left;"
|-
| colspan=8 style="text-align:center;" | 1 Match, 0 Wins, 0 Losses, 1 Draw
|-
! Result
! Rec.
! Opponent
! Method
! text-center| Event
! Date
! Division
! Location
|-
| {{draw}}Draw
| {{nowrap|0–0–1}}
| {{flagicon|USA}} Chael Sonnen
| Draw
| UR Fight 2016
| 20 March 2016
| Superfight
| {{flagicon|USA}} Phoenix, Arizona
|-
{{s-end}}
Pay-per-view bouts
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| No.
!Event !Fight !Date !Venue !City !PPV Buys |
|---|
| 1.
|Evans vs. Bisping |17 November 2007 |Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |400,000 |
| 2.
|Rockhold vs. Bisping 2 |4 June 2016 |Inglewood, California U.S. |320,000 |
| 3.
|Bisping vs. Henderson 2 |8 October 2016 |Manchester, England |290,000 |
| 4.
|Bisping vs. St-Pierre |4 November 2017 |New York City, New York, U.S. |875,000 |
| colspan="6" |Total sales
!1,885,000 |
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2010
| Beatdown | Drake Colby | |
| 2014
| Plastic | Kasper | |
| 2014
| Sergio | |
| 2017
| Hawk | |
| 2017
| Roy Shaw | |
| 2018
| Connor | Cameo |
| 2019
| Joey | |
| 2021
| Bisping | Himself | Documentary |
| 2021
| Janek | |
| 2024
| Arthur Dane | |
| 2025
|Connor{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=2023-08-01 |title=Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera Rounds Out Cast With 11 Additions |url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/den-of-thieves-2-pantera-casts-11-1235452247/ |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} | |
| 2025
| style="background:#FFFFCC;"|Red Sonja {{dagger|alt=Not yet released}} |Upcoming |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| 2010
| Nathan McAllister | Season 3 |
| 2015
| Aaron | Episode: "Legacy: Part 1" |
| rowspan="2"|2017
| Guard | Episode: "Part 1" |
| Dark Matter
| Goren | Episode: "Give It Up, Princess" |
| 2018
| MacGyver | Porter | Episode: "UFO + Area 51" |
| rowspan="2"|2019
| Jason Coburn | Episode: "The Day It All Came Together" |
| Hyperdrive
|Presenter |10 episodes |
| 2020
| Warrior | Dolph Jagger | Episode: "To a Man with a Hammer, Everything Looks Like a Nail" |
| 2021–present
| Himself | |
See also
Books
- {{cite book |last=Bisping |first=Michael |date=22 August 2019 |title=Quitters Never Win: My Life in UFC |publisher=Ebury Press |isbn=978-1529104448}}
References
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
{{Commons category|Michael Bisping}}
- [https://michaelbispingofficial.com/ Michael Bisping official website]
- [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/michael-bisping Official UFC Profile]
- {{IMDb name|2261451}}
- {{Sherdog}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{s-bef|before=Luke Rockhold}}
{{s-ttl|title=8th UFC Middleweight Champion|years=4 June 2016 – 4 November 2017}}
{{s-aft|after=Georges St-Pierre}}
|-
{{end}}
{{UFC Hall of Fame}}
{{UFC Middleweight Championship}}
{{The Ultimate Fighter}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bisping, Michael}}
Category:English male mixed martial artists
Category:English expatriate male actors in the United States
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Middleweight mixed martial artists
Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing jujutsu
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:English male kickboxers
Category:Light heavyweight kickboxers
Category:English male Muay Thai practitioners
Category:Sportspeople from Clitheroe
Category:English people of German descent
Category:English people of Irish descent
Category:English people of Polish descent
Category:The Ultimate Fighter winners
Category:Cage Warriors champions
Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions
Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters