Michael Bisping Looking For May Return, Wants Silva-Sonnen II Winner

[No More Sorrow]

Michael Bisping believes he beat Chael Sonnen two rounds to one, but he's not bent out of shape over losing a unanimous decision at UFC on FOX 2.

The way he sees it, he'll get his title shot sooner or later. And in doing well against Sonnen, he's already made a good argument for getting it sooner.

"I don't think it was a step backward," Bisping told MMAjunkie.com Radio (MMAjunkie.com Radio | MMAjunkie.com). "If anything, I cemented myself as one of the top contenders in the division. I want to fight again soon. I'm aching to fight."

For now, though, Sonnen will step in front of the line when he meets middleweight champ Anderson Silva in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 147 in June. That leaves Bisping time to rebuild momentum so he can meet the winner of the title fight.

"I was just going back and forth with (UFC president) Dana (White) last night, so I'm not sure where we're at, but I'm hoping that (with) one more good win over a good opponent, I should fight the winner of Chael and Anderson later in the year," he said this past week.

But in talking with White, Bisping (22-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) isn't sure who fits the bill.

"All the top guys seemed to be booked up at the moment, so I'm scratching my head thinking of who to ask the UFC for," Bisping said. "I'm sure they'll come up with someone decent for me. That's what they do. I just tend to accept the fights and try to do my best. I was thinking about that last night, and I couldn't think of anyone."

Middleweight Tim Boetsch certainly made an impression this past weekend at UFC 144 with an improbable comeback win over onetime title challenger Yushin Okami. Then there's an upcoming fight pitting submission ace Rousimar Palhares against Alan Belcher, as well as Chris Weidman, who minted his status as a top competitor after outpointing onetime title challenger Demian Maia at UFC on FOX 2. Mark Munoz is on the mend and could be ready by the summer.

It's arguable, though, that the opponents don't carry the same kind of name recognition of other middleweights such as Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva, who are scheduled to meet at UFC 147 as part of their run as coaches on "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil." Bisping was outpointed by Silva when they met two years ago and could provide a good rematch.

"The Count," who recently relocated to the U.S. and signed with Paradigm MMA Management, is open to whatever the UFC offers. But regardless of their choice, he wants to get back into action soon and suggested a return at UFC 146, which takes place May 26 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He felt underworked this past year after accepting a coaching position on "The Ultimate Fighter 14" opposite Jason Miller and wants to fight four times in 2012.

"If I fought again in May, there would still be seven months left in the year," he said. "I only had two fights last year because of 'The Ultimate Fighter (14),' so I want to remain busy. I'm in my prime, and I want to fight a lot."

But even if he manages to get back into contention, Bisping isn't sure who will be waiting for him.

"From my own greedy thoughts, I'd like Chael to go out there and beat him," he said. "And everybody says, 'Well, Michael Bisping beat him and he beat Anderson,' but who knows. Apparently, Anderson had a broken rib or something and that affected his performance. Who knows if that was the case or not.

"Anderson is an amazing fighter – pound-for-pound, the best in the world. I would probably lean toward Anderson, but we all saw what Chael did the first time around."

Pretty much agree with the fact that he should fight the winner of Silva-Sonnen. He looked great against Mayhem Miller and pretty much got fucked over in a decision against Sonnen at the Fox show so i have no problem with him getting the winner.

 

[Andrew]

Bisping v. The winner of this fight is a good choice. I'm all for it.

 

[Troy]

It has been a long road but I will be happy when he finally gets a title shot. In the past Bisping always struggled against the top fighters but his performance against Sonnen was great, I thought that he had it won as well. I like the idea of Bisping fighting the winner of Sonnen/Silva. If you give him another fight in between you always run the risk of him losing and dropping back down the ladder.

 

[Dod Draper]

Don't see why he shouldn't fight the winner; who else is there left to challenge? Nobody other than Munoz.

Maybe give him Munoz and have the winner of that fight challenge.

 

[Slim]

I actually don't agree with it. I think Bisping should fight the loser and if he wins that fight then get a title shot. He had a contendership fight against Sonnen and lost... he shouldn't be rewarded with a title shot against the winner of that fight. That would be like saying... oh you had a chance for a title shot but you lost so we'll give you a title shot anyways after the guy that beat you and the undisputed champ fight.

He is just one fight away at this point though.

 

[Deezy]

Bisping always folds when he is given top tier talent.

Anderson would carve him up. Give him Munoz and see where they go from there.

 

[Ben]

^^

He looked pretty damn good against Sonnen. That being said he has choked in the past. I say give him Munoz and if he beats him give him the winner of Silver/Sonnen. Mark my words though Rousimar Palhares is a win or 2 away from taking on top talent at 185 and once he get up there and show he can hang with top talent the middle weight division is prob his for the taking.

 

[The Cork]

I agree with the suggestions, either Munoz or Paul Harris.

I'd fancy him over the former but not the latter.