Rockhold has already demonstrated his superiority against Bisping, who’s on a revenge mission tonight.
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However, 18 months and three consecutive victories later, Bisping will finally compete for a UFC title – 10 years since he made his debut for the organisation – in tonight’s main event at UFC 199 at The Forum in Inglewood… albeit by default.
UFC officials got between the two fighters before things intensified any further but Bisping was still incensed and continued to talk. There is even more history between the combatants in the other title fight on the card.
In an nearly foreshadowing way, Bisping said about Rockhold before the fight that, “When you’re on the floor and you’re looking up at the stars and say ‘(Expletive), I just lost my belt to a guy that came in on two weeks notice and took your belt that you’ve worked your whole life for.’ On two weeks (expletive) notice, mate”. And then, as Bisping was walking away, he lobbed one last insult, which happened to be a slur.
Faber has been on the decline in recent years and is going off as a +400 underdog to beat Cruz (-600) in this one.
“Two weeks’ notice, two days, two hours, two minutes, I’ll fight anyone anywhere”, an elated Bisping said at the post-fight presser.
Dominick Cruz dominated the majority of the fight to ensure that he ended this nine-year rivalry with Urijah Faber on top, retaining his UFC title in the process. “I think I’ve earned mine, but I will do what I have to do, but it will be a short-lived destiny”.
Faber also teased a possible retirement.
“I, unlike [Rockhold], don’t turn down opponents”, Bisping said. “That may have been the last one of my career”. He was the man. “I’m going to put out a spectacular knockout early on”.
Bisping echoed the sentiment about his own legacy.
Florian said Cruz has done a great job on improving his strengths and solving his weaknesses, evident in his avenging the only loss of his career in the 2011 rematch Faber.
“My weight is good”, Bisping said. “I just have to reach out and touch it”.
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Fans who tune into the Fox Sports 1 preliminary card will see Brian Ortega take on Clay Guida (freatherweight), Beneil Dariush battle James Vick (lightweight), Jessica Penne face off with Jessica Andrade (women’s strawweight), and Cole Miller vs. Alex Caceres (featherweight).
