THE MAJORITY of fight fans may have picked Luke Rockhold to win his world title rematch with Michael Bisping, but that suits the Brit just fine.
Bisping appeared on The MMA Hour to chat to journalist Ariel Helwani about his upcoming fight, and ‘The Count’ gave one of his most powerful, emotional interviews as he laid out his approach to his title shot at UFC 199.
He said: “I believe I deserve this.
“I’ve worked my a**e off. Nobody’s worked harder than me. I deserve this and I WILL take [the belt] home with me.
“I will take this final chapter in my journey, become the world champion and then walk off into the sunset a happy man.”
Bisping is the longest-serving middleweight fighter in UFC history, fighting an incredible 25 times over a 10-year career in the Octagon, but despite campaigning at the top of the UFC for many years, a title shot never came – until now.
The circumstances aren’t ideal. A short-notice call-up sees Bisping get his shot at UFC gold on just two weeks’ notice against a man who already holds a submission victory over him.
But despite the odds appearing stacked against him, Bisping is as driven and confident as ever, saying the short fight camp could actually be in his favour come fight night.
“I’m gonna go in there fresh, I’m gonna go in there strong, very very confident, with no pressure,” he explained.
“Do you understand how mentally freeing it is to know I’m supposed to lose?
“I’m supposed to lose, so f**k it, I’m gonna go out there and do my best.”
“I know the world’s expecting me to lose. Luke Rockhold knows, though, that I am a formidable opponent. He can be as smug as he wants.
“As Christopher Walken says on Saturday Night Live: “We put our pants on one leg at a time.” But I go out there and take world titles.
“Just watch this space.”
Michael Bisping takes on Luke Rockhold for the undisputed UFC middleweight championship of the world at UFC 199 on June 4 in Los Angeles. Watch the fight live on BT Sport.
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