Four Fights For Michael Bisping To Take Next

Well, UFC 199, which went down last night live on pay-per-view (PPV) from The Forum in Inglewood, California, provided the mixed martial arts (MMA) community with one of the craziest nights in recent memory.

Multiple story lines prevailed, but perhaps none more memorable than the one that emerged from the main event.

25 Octagon fights and a decade into his storied UFC career, Michael “The Count” Bisping has finally reached the pinnacle.

Accepting a bout with Luke Rockhold on just over two weeks’ notice, many had Bisping was a huge +600 underdog heading into the night.

After all, Rockhold did dismantle the British veteran in November 2014, and Bisping came into that bout with a full camp.

However, as we are so often reminded, the fight game is unpredictable.

Bisping came out firing in the first round, putting Rockhold away with strikes early on to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.

What a rollercoaster ride it has been for “The Count”, and now at age 37, he’s finally on top.

Let’s take a look at four potential fights for Bisping to take next:

Luke Rockhold

Typically I wouldn’t be in favor of an immediate rematch for a combatant like Rockhold, as the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) product never really established himself as the champion, failing to succeed in his first title defense.

Aside from that, there was no controversy in last night’s bout. Bisping simply came in and put Rockhold to sleep.

With that being said, however, the history behind the two men must be noted.

Not only have they split wins and losses in their first two meetings, making a trilogy bout a necessity at some point, but the two are truly bitter rivals.

Neither man likes the other, and the two have no issues selling a fight. In fact, the trash talk didn’t stop in the aftermath of the fight, as the two went back and forth at the post-fight press conference as well.

With all of these factors noted, the UFC could potentially schedule the rubber match, and settle the score on an epic rivalry.

Chris Weidman

Originally, Rockhold was slated to rematch ex-champion Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 199.

Weidman ultimately suffered a neck injury, and Bisping filled in, but the former boss plans on returning to action soon. In fact, the Long Island native has his eyes set on November 12’s UFC 205 from Madison Square Garden – the UFC’s first trip to New York.

Clearly still near the top of the rankings, Weidman is undoubtedly itching to get his title back, and if healthy, a fight with Bisping in New York would be absolutely massive.

The two have thrown subtle jabs at each other in the media, and Bisping would surely ramp up the hype if the two signed on to fight.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza

After Weidman suffered his injury, it was actually made clear that top contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza was the top choice to fill in, ahead of Bisping.

However, the Brazilian submission ace was unable to accept the challenge due to a minor injury, which Bisping unsurprisingly used to blast Souza.

“Jacare” is well-deserving of a title shot, boasting an impressive 6-1 Octagon record. He is coming off of a brutal stoppage victory over Vitor Belfort, and his only UFC loss came in a controversial decision to the next man up on this list.

Souza would also provide a very unique stylistic challenge for Bisping, as he possesses ever improving striking backed by one of the best submission games in all of MMA.

Yoel Romero

In my opinion, this option appears as the most unlikely, but it is very possible nonetheless.

Romero, although currently dealing with a questionable suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), is indeed coming off of a victory over “Jacare” Souza at last December’s UFC 194.

Currently undefeated in the UFC with seven straight victories, “The Soldier of God” has undoubtedly placed himself in the title discussion upon his return.

His Olympic wrestling background and brutal knockout power would also provide Bisping with a stiff test in “The Count’s” first defense.

Which option is most appealing to you?