MMABay can EXCLUSIVELY reveal that UK middleweight, Michael Bisping will take on Japanese buzzsaw, Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 120 on October 16th in London, England.
A source close to the situation revealed the news during a telephone conversation with one of the MMABay team this morning. It was originally thought that Bisping would face former champion, Vitor Belfort but the promotion decided against it in the end.
Bisping was last seen in action in May when he defeated tough-as-nails middleweight, Dan Miller over three rounds at UFC 114. Prior to that he’d lost a close decision to Brazilian legend, Wanderlei Silva in February at UFC 110.
Akiyama is coming off a disappointing third round submission loss to heavy handed veteran, Chris Leben at UFC 116 last weekend. This fight followed one year after making his UFC debut at UFC 100 against Alan Belcher, a fight he won via split decision.
Mike i just got my tickets today for UFC 120, first time ive seen you fight live mate. Ive been a big fan of yours for years and am looking forward to seeing you beat Akiyama. No disresepect to him he's an elite fighter but bottom line is he couldnt live with Leben and Leben couldnt live with you so you should (and will) prevail in this one on route to a title shot. Good luck mate i cant wait to wolf whistle my ass off, kick ass Mike !!!
Steve
London
This is going to be a real tough fight as they all are in the UFC. Am sure you will kick his arse and bring yourself right up there in contention.
Good luck with the training and try and put him away early don't think my nerves can stand 3 rounds.
good luck mick ! use to work with you at contrast on pre up haha remember them days lol good to see your doing well and congratulations on the 3rd baby mate
this is garbage...does nothing for either fighter and most fans feel the same...read the forums already...dont sign mike!!!!!!
Hey mike,
Big fan. I’m not too sure about this opponent though, I can’t see how u gain from this, you soundly beat Leban, and Leban beat him. I was hoping to see you fight Vitor and a group of us who are off to London to see you and hardy fight were pumped to hear you could be fighting vitor. It seems a rather poor choice of opponent for you in our opinion, saying that you should still easily beat Akiyama. But he is coming off a loss and it doesn’t do much for your progression, unless you know something we don’t know that is...
We will still be coming to the o2 as usual, it’s just not as a good match up as vitor was. I can only assume that ufc brass decided against the vitor fight in case you beat him and their plans for him fighting Silva would be screwed.. ..what say you??
Anyway keep up the good work. See you Oct 16th..
VR1