Michael Bisping has ruled out the possibility of retirement, or a move to a different weight class, in the scenario that he loses to Vitor Belfort this weekend.
Bisping's entire career has been aimed at earning a title shot in the middleweight division. Saturday's UFC on FX 7 showdown with Belfort will be his third attempt to earn such a chance.
Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen have both been roadblocks to Bisping's dreams in the past, raising question marks over whether he could recover from a third such setback. A return to light-heavyweight has been mooted, but the Brit is in no doubt that the middleweight title is his destiny.
"Let's be honest, this is the third time I've been in this position and the other two times it hasn't gone my way. But I've dusted myself off and got back in that position again," Bisping told ESPN.
"That's testament to my hunger, my desire and my strength of character. A lot of other people fade into obscurity, but I'm hungry.
"God forbid if it doesn't go my way, I'll just reset, I'll go again, I love doing what I do and I will be world champion one day.
"With every training camp I'm getting better and better, so if it doesn't go my way, unfortunately for those haters out there it won't be the last you see of me! No way."
Bisping has fought in the UFC for seven years and no fighter has won more bouts with the promotion without earning a title shot. Asked if he would become emotional if he wins in Sao Paulo, Bisping insisted Belfort is not the final task in his mission.
"Victory would mean I'm the true No. 1 contender to Anderson Silva. Vitor Belfort is the toughest fight other than Silva in the middleweight division. When I beat him, it clearly cements me as the No. 2 middleweight in the world.
"I'd be proud to do that but the title is the main thing. I'm almost at the top of the mountain and victory would take me to the peak where I can fight to become the top man
No comments:
Post a Comment