UFC 120 – Bisping: “I couldn’t care less who he trains with.”
UFC 120 – Bisping: “I couldn’t care less who he trains with.”
Written by Penny Buffington
UFC 120: BISPING vs. AKIYAMA event is taking place Saturday, October 16. live from the O2 Arena in London, England airing free on Spike TV.
The UFC 120 media conference gave Penny Buffington executive producer of MMA2DAY and other members of the media insight to the thoughts of the main event and co main event fighters from this event.
In attendance: the 2 middleweight fighters from the main event, Michael Bisbing vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama and the co main event, welterweights Carlos Condit vs. Dan Hardy.
Despite the fact Michael Bisping was voted “Coolest Man in the UK” by readers of Zoo magazine and numerous articles describing him as hugely popular in the UK he humbly describes his life in England.
He said “I live in a small town in the northwest of England, and I live with the same, you know, the same friends and family that I’ve grown up with my entire life. So, to be honest, nothing’s changed. You know, when I do venture out into cities and whatnot, yes, people do know who I am, I suppose. But, ultimately, I’m the same guy. I still live in the same place, the same small town, so not a lot’s changed. And because I still live there I’m able to train and just continue with my regular lifestyle.”
Michael “The Count” Bisping, 19 – 3 – 0, trains at The Wolfslair MMA Academy in Widnes, United Kingdom.
Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama, 13 – 2 – 0, is training out of Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Akiyama revealed he feels like he has a better takedown than Michael Bisping does.
Through his interrupter he elaborated that the confidence comes from training at Jackson’s, “He was able to learn the intricate skills of the takedowns, as well as better striking for MMA. And, most of all, he was able to learn how to deliver a good three rounds of fight in the cage.”
Bisping was apparently unimpressed, “In terms of preparation, it doesn’t change anything. With respect, I couldn’t care less who he trains with. He can train with anyone. What I’m focusing on these days is what I do, focusing on my training. And he can worry about what I’m bringing to the table. And so, you know, as I said, my training’s going fantastic. I feel in great shape. I’ve improved all my areas.”
Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy, 23 – 7 – 0, is associated with Team Rough Houselocated in Sneinton, Nottingham. He is currently ranked by Sherdog as the #4 welterweight fighter in the world. Hardy says of his opponent, “I’m looking forward to taking him down and choking him out.”
Carlos “Natural Born Killer” Condit, 25 – 5 – 0, also trains at the popular camp of Greg Jackson: Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts. Condit is the one who requested a fight with Hardy. His reasoning: “Well, for one, Hardy’s got status in the UFC right now. He was the number one contender. So a win over him would, you know, probably catapult me up the rankings.”
Sometimes the most revealing things are said after the conference is over. As the operator announced to President of the UFC UK division all questions had been asked by the media Dan and Carlos had a little more to add:
Dan Hardy: “Get on the plane, Carlos. Get on that plane, man. Look forward to it.”
Carlos Condit: “Do it.”
Dan Hardy: “So I can knock you out.”
Fans can watch and find out this Saturday.
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