Bisping: Fighting Anderson Silva would be a giant pain in the jaw for GSP
As UFC Middleweight contender Michael Bisping sits on the outside of the 185 lb. title scene looking in, it comes as no surprise that he is having trouble keeping his mouth shut regarding the situation. True, Bisping has dispatched most of the fighters set in his path, but it seems that he is just missing that signature win that would allow the UFC no choice but to grant him his coveted title shot. His loss to Chael Sonnen last January put his plans on hold, and now the utter speculation of who Anderson Silva will fight next has his chance at the belt up in limbo. Silva may perhaps fight Jon Jones down the line, but it seems as if his focus is on fighting Georges St. Pierre. However, this might not be GSP’s view, something that Bisping touched on while speaking to MMAJunkie.com:
“It sounds to me, reading between the lines, I don’t think ‘GSP’ is really keen on it. I think he realizes that it’s not a good fight for him, to be honest. He’s said it’s a giant pain in the ass to always talk about Anderson Silva, and I’m sure it would be a giant pain in the jaw, as well. Who knows if they’ll step up and try and fight each other?”
So Bisping thinks that Silva versus GSP would be a whitewash, with St. Pierre leaving with a painful loss on his record. Many fans and media experts agree with Bisping’s sentiment, noting that the size difference in Silva’s favor would be quite difficult to overcome. Bisping also thinks that there are several worthy title contenders still left for Silva at 185, but the UFC may be looking for the huge money superfights as Silva’s career winds down:
“It is frustrating, but I also understand it. I understand it from Silva’s perspective. I understand it from the UFC’s perspective. I’ll just be waiting for my shot. I think 185 pounds is the most exciting division in the UFC right now. It certainly has the best champion, and it certainly has the most challengers to the belt. There’s no shortage of contenders. There’s no shortage of exciting fights for me at 185. I’m privileged to be a part of it. I’m a perennial contender, I’m here, and I’m fighting the best guys. I want my shot. I’m tired. I know I’ve got to wait my turn, but it’s pissing me off. I want to get my title shot, and if I keep beating guys, they’ll have no choice but to give it to me.”
Bisping’s frustrations may be well-justified due to his long tenure of effective fighting within the UFC, but it may also be marred by the fact that once he faces truly top-level competition, he has lost. These losses, although few, include defeats and the hands of Rashad Evans, Wanderlei Silva, Chael Sonnen, and of course, Dan Henderson. Bisping may have a good point here surrounding his frustration, but does he truly stand a chance against the almighty Silva? Will Michael Bisping have his day against The Spider?
