Bisping believes in destiny + a hangover’s coming
Michael Bisping: “I do believe in destiny. I do believe in the universe pulling it all together. I’ve worked my like towards this.”
And new champion Michael Bisping was a profoundly happy man at the UFC 199 post-fight press conference. He had after all just won a title he spent a decade chasing, without ever quite getting a title shot.
“I’m just gonna relish this moment,” said Bisping, as transcribed by Marc Raimondi for MMA Fighting. “I’m gonna ride the crest of this wave. I’m gonna have a few drinks. I’m not gonna do a Tim Sylvia and walk around with it on constantly, but I do envision the mother of all hangovers coming my way pretty soon.”
“Some say revenge is sweet. I disagree. I’d say it’s better than sweet.”
“This has been a lifetime’s work. And I always felt that I was capable of doing this. I’ve had my ups and downs along the way and I understand why people didn’t believe in me, because I lost some key fights. I accept that. But I knew deep down inside myself that I could always do it.”
The #1 contender is Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, and ‘The Count’ is game.
“I, unlike [Rockhold], don’t turn down opponents,” said Bisping. “He is the #1 contender and I’ve never turned down a fight in my life. It would be an honor to share the Octagon with him.”
Setting aside concerns about CTE, and you can’t, the greatest next fight would be a rematch with Dan Henderson at UFC 200. Rockhold wants an immediate rematch, and said if he fights properly, Bisping couldn’t compete
“You just said I can’t compete with you,” said Bisping. “I knocked you out in the first round … cold. Have you seen that replay, buddy? Your head was bouncing around like a pinball machine. Watch it again. Obviously it didn’t sink in.”
The first Englishman to hold a UFC title ended on a high note.
“I do believe in destiny,” said Bisping. “I do believe in the universe pulling it all together. I’ve worked my like towards this. I’ve worked tirelessly. I’ve worked very hard. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices.”