“He’s a smug a**hole, let’s be honest. Luke Rockhold owns a victory over me. I want to rectify that. I want to set the record straight. So yes, I want to be the victor. I want to be the world champion. But I also want to beat Luke Rockhold. It is personal for me. And when I look at him, I just want to knock that smug look off his face. I really do. Because you’ve never seen somebody that walks around so smug. He’s just the biggest, smuggest prick you’ve ever seen in your life. I would love another opportunity to punch that guy in the face. And to be world champion at the same time? Where do I sign up? … If I lose this, I’ll never get a shot again. But I’m taking this, not just for a shot, not just for a payday, not just for some media attention. I believe I can win this. And that’s why I’m taking this fight. I’ve always been a fighter. I’m a fighter’s fighter. I’m a real fighter. And I’ll prove that in two weeks.”
-Michael Bisping talks to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour about UFC Middleweight Champ Luke Rockhold and their fight at UFC 199.
Penick’s Analysis: Bisping’s doing his part to sell this fight on two weeks notice. Whether he has any legitimate chance to beat Rockhold or not in this rematch, the confidence alone might be enough to make him competitive for a time. Granted, he got beat by Rockhold decisively in the first meeting, and though he believes he can force a different outcome on short notice that’s not going to be a stance many take. Still, he’s making it personal and trying to drive that aspect of the matchup into their June 4 meeting, so good on him for selling things effectively.
[Michael Bisping art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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