Scott Coppleman scans his expert eye over a very strong UFC card as it returns to the OCTAGON and Fox
The Co Main Event of the evening in the Middleweight (185lbs/84kg) division sees the two greatest trash talkers in the history of the UFC come together. Brash, outspoken and controversial would be the three best words to describe both Chael Sonnen (26-11-1) and Michael “The Count” Bisping (22-3) with the winner set for a title shot.
SONNEN, Chael vs BISPING, Michael – BETASPORT MARKET HERE
Originally scheduled as a title eliminator between Sonnen and Mark “Phillipino Assassin” Munoz, Bisping received the call up to replace the injured Munoz. The build up to this fight has and could quite possibly be more entertaining than the bout itself, with both camps exchanging plenty of verbal blows. Sonnen, also an outstanding NCAA wrestler is the only man in the UFC who has legitimately challenged the greatest pound for pound fighter in the world and Middleweight champ Anderson “The Spider” Silva. Having dominated the champ for 4 1/2 rounds Sonnen got caught in a triangle and was forced to submit.
After the bout the California State Athletic Commision found that Sonnen had elevated testosterone levels and he was ultimately fined $2,500 and suspended from the UFC for 1 year. In late 2011 he made his return and defeated the up and coming former US Marine Brian Stann in a clinical display of wrestling which led to a 2nd round submission victory, Sonnen immediately called out Silva in his post fight interview demanding a rematch, but the UFC brass did not oblige and set up the Munoz match up.
Bisping is never short of confidence and firmly believes his time has come for a shot at Silva. The Brit is on a four fight win streak since a very close and controversial loss to Wanderlei Silva at UFC 110 in Sydney. With an ever improving stand up game “The Count” has no choice but to try and keep this bout as a purely stand up affair. With limited wrestling experience Sonnen will look to exploit this flaw and in my opinion will do so comfortably, look for Sonnen to take Bisping down as he wishes and dominate him with ground and pound. My prediction for this one is Sonnen easily by decision after the 3 rounds.
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