A New Beginning?
This weekend marked a new day for Uk favorite Michael Bisping at UFC 83. Fight numero Uno after suffering his first loss on a 14 fight win streak to start off the career. Secondly, it was his debut performance into a well-deserving middleweight class. After this weeks statement, we're thinking we might have found a new contender at 185lbs. By contender we do mean exciting to watch until you dance with the devil, er um Anderson. Despite his heavy following around the globe, Bisping aura had yet to cast its magic this direction. Immediately following his entry to the ring, fans and those less impressed finally had identical thoughts.
"Wow. The Count looks preetty ripped."
On to the Show...
It's a muscle definition we've never seen from the likes of Michael. He appears focused, balanced, and surprisingly mildy intimidating. Neither McCarthy or Bisping held their words prior to the fight, and the initial 1st minute the tension is visible. McCarthy easily the wilder puncher, showing how much he's putting into his swings. After, McCarthy secures the first take-down the fight begins to show true.
After attempting a few submissions from his back, The Count methodically works his way to his feet. Here where the diffrence in weight becomes evident. Bisping begins to put combinations together that flow seamlessly. He's fluid, he's accurate, and he's freaking quick. Transitions are excellent from strikes to clinch, knees, elbows all barrage and connect. This may be a beautiful find for Bisping, normally walking around at a 190lbs the extra weight is obviously not missed. Bisping has always been a cardio freak, the only question left is.
What a bout the power?
Yes, it was concluded in just A round.
Yes, McCarthy was unable to continue.
But, how long was he being brutalized? Even Matt Serra ended a fight in less time.
What's the take away?
Once he starts to connect Bisping's elegance lacks the sting to close the show. And while he looks good, efficient, and precise these are the things that separate the Men from the GODS. And at this point, when his road does cross the path of Zues. We're wondering if the end will be any different than anyone else "smart" enough to stay in the Middleweight Division.
On a lighter note, what better way to make a debut than to actually retire your competition. Following the performance, McCarthy released an official statement thanks to MMAweekly:
I would like to announce my formal retirement from Mixed Martial Arts competition,” said McCarthy in a prepared statement. “I have achieved many of the goals I set out to accomplish in this sport and found others just out of reach. It is now time for me to lay down my gloves and rededicate my attention towards my business, my fighters, my family and my team.
“The successes I have found in my career are due in large part to all the great people who have helped me along the way. Being involved with the true champions at American Top Team has guided me to become a better father, husband, teacher and friend. Without the great generosity of ATT my life would have had a void. I hope that everyone reading (this) can one day feel the love of a great family as I have.”
“My goal in my career was always to be the best, and you know it just didn’t work out this time. I’m okay with that. I kind of hit the whole glass ceiling in my career and I don’t feel like dwindling on past my usefulness.”
While he now retires from fighting, McCarthy will still be a major player in mixed martial arts, training and teaching new fighters at his BocaMMA facility (an American Top Team affiliate), along with friend and trainer Cole Miller. “I have a gym full of guys that need my attention, so I plan on giving them as much of that as they can possibly handle,” he stated. “I think out of everything that’s what I enjoy doing the most and I’d like to be able to focus my attention on that.”
“Thank you to all who have supported Mixed Martial Arts. You have helped me live out a childhood dream of being a professional athlete. I am proud to say that in some small way I helped to grow our great sport and entertain fans across the world. Some of the best friends I have made throughout my career I met on the other side of the cage. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to compete with them and entertain the fans.”
Cheers to you Chainsaw.
We hardly knew thee.
Enjoy the new and improved Count Bisping.
[que video]
*be patient, there is a slight delay after clicking play...
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