Throughout his career, Michael Bisping has been known for a lot of things. He’s the man who defeated Anderson Silva in a razor-close fight, an unlikely MMA heel, the guy who fought the latter part of his career with only one functioning eye, and, of course, the first British fighter to win a UFC championship. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019 and, although he officially retired in 2018, Bisping never really left the sport. Today, he’s one of the UFC’s top commentators and analysts. There aren’t many fighters with the grit, grind, and glory of Michael Bisping.
It was ten fights into his MMA journey when Bisping got the call for The Ultimate Fighter Season Three—an opportunity he wasn’t about to let slip by.
A Factory Worker With Big Dreams
Bisping ditched the amateur scene and made his pro debut in 2004, quickly dominating the regional circuit. But life for Bisping wasn’t your typical eat-sleep-train routine. He was sleeping in his car, struggling to pay rent, and juggling multiple low-paying jobs—all while chasing a dream that, at the time, probably wasn’t going to pay off. These were the early days of MMA: no big paydays, no social media, no sponsorship deals—just you, the other guy, and the cage.
Despite holding a 10–0 record, Bisping was seriously considering walking away from the sport. It just wasn’t paying the bills. This was going to be his last shot at making something of himself, so he headed to America, hoping to leave his factory job behind and finally secure a UFC contract.
Though considered a green fighter at the time, Bisping steamrolled the competition and earned himself a spot in the UFC.
The Injury That Almost Ended It All
Bisping has one of the most colorful careers of any UFC fighter. With 29 fights inside the Octagon, there isn’t much he hasn’t experienced. Fighting is hard—and with the mind-blowing wins in front of thousands come the deep, dark losses. But Bisping didn’t have time to dwell on the not-so-great parts of being a prizefighter; he had a job to do.
You could call it a tumultuous career, but that’s what it looks like at the top. No one expected him to defeat Anderson Silva, one of the greatest of all time—but he did. For much of his career, Bisping was always that guy who was one fight away from a title shot. Then came the injury that came excruciatingly close to ending everything. It’s easy to forget that Bisping fought nearly half his career after being declared legally blind in his right eye.
In 2013, Bisping lost to former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort by first-round TKO. Early in the fight, he took a flush head kick to the face that detached his retina. Terrified of what it meant, Bisping hid the injury for months—only making things worse. He eventually underwent multiple surgeries but lost his vision anyway. Still, sight in one eye was enough for Bisping to keep going.
The Sudden Call That Made History
If you’ve got the grit and know how to grind, riding it out through tough times will pay off. It did for Bisping. Just 80 days after making history when he defeated Anderson Silva, Bisping got a title shot. The fight, however, was only 17 days away. Even a three-fight win streak wasn’t enough to convince anyone he had a shot at winning. A man who had beaten him just two years prior by submission, defending champ Luke Rockhold, was the 3-1 favorite to win. In Las Vegas betting, the odds were stacked against him. Calling him the underdog would’ve been an understatement.
But Bisping wasn’t focused on the odds—he was focused on becoming champion. And he did just that. With a stunning first-round knockout, he pulled off one of the greatest upsets in UFC history.
Despite already boasting 25 victories and a landmark win over Anderson Silva, it was this victory that truly cemented Michael “The Count” Bisping’s legacy, making him the first Brit to ever claim a UFC title.
Bisping had one successful defense and two more fights in the UFC before his retirement.
The legacy left behind by Bisping is the stuff of legend. He stepped up when called, always did his job, and never made a single excuse—regardless of the outcome. A presence both in and out of the Octagon, he was a reliable company man, a thrilling personality, and an even better fighter.
Since retiring in 2018, Bisping has channeled the same grit and grind that elevated him to legend status into his commentary. He made his debut in 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his electric delivery, no-nonsense insight, and razor-sharp wit. Beyond the UFC, Bisping is widely regarded as one of the sport’s top analysts and commentators. His hit podcast and YouTube channel, Believe You Me, brings a comedic spin to fight analysis that’s as sharp as it is entertaining.
The story of Michael “The Count” Bisping is one that resonates with everyday fighters and fans alike. With nearly two decades in the cage, Bisping ain’t no flash in the pan—he’s the definition of a fighter. From last-minute calls to unfavorable matchups, Bisping showed up every time, proving that toughness and heart can outlast hype.
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