It’s the biggest fight to happen on UK soil since forever, so we thought we’d skip the usual armchair punditry and ask people that actually know something about fighting: the fighters.
The word ‘legend’ comes up a lot, but is anybody actually picking seasoned pro, Dan Henderson? Or are the Brits backing their champion, Michael Bisping to defend his UFC championship for the first time?
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“I think Bisping, via TKO or decision. I think you find out who the better fighter is over five rounds, and that in this case that would be Bisping, but who knows what can happen before that final bell, Henderson is certainly capable of taking him down. If I was a betting man, I would definitely put my money on Michael, but if I was a betting man, I would have lost my house on Bisping vs. Rockhold…” – Brad Pickett
“Bisping on points.” – Alex Enlund
“I see the fight going Mike’s way, he’s really improved since the last time they fought and I think he will thrive in front of the home town crowd. Although, Dan’s a legend, so any outcomes a good one for the fans really :)” – Colin Fletcher
‘I trained with Mike daily for maybe 5 years, I know first hand how intensely focused and committed he is to constantly getting better, I don’t see Mike making the same mistakes twice and I predict Mike to win a dominant decision victory.’ – Leeroy Barnes
“I think Bisping will outpoint Henderson in a five-round fight.” – Arnold Allen
“So, Hendo is a legend, but I’m going to have to go with ‘The Count’ on this one on retaining his UFC title. Although Henderson will be dangerous – and the overhand right is always a danger – I think it’s going to be Bisping outscoring his opponent and getting a KO/TKO in round three or four. Also, Bisping is a pioneer in English MMA, it will be great to see him defend it on British soil, so I’m with Bisping.” – Sean Carter
“If he is smart, Bisping is gonna pick him apart. If he scraps with Hendo it might go badly.” – Stuart Austin
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“Bisping has matured as a fighter and I’ve been impressed by his recent performances, he seems to have hit his prime. Bisping comes off a four fight win streak and with a solid all round game – plus that hometown advantage. Henderson is coming off a KO win but his recent history has been less impressive and, to be frank, he’s in his mid forties now. Henderson can never be written off and has real KO power, but for me Bisping is gonna take this fight by decision.” – Kerry Hughes
“I reckon Bisping, TKO.” – Brendan Loughnane
“The H-Bomb is a legend and has been sending people to another dimension for a long time… Bisping still goes to sleep dreaming about it. I think if he was anywhere else but Manchester, it would be the same story. The love of the English people will be what gets Bisping through this one, and his new found belief with KO’ing one of the deadliest middleweights there is. I think Bisping will get it done within three rounds.” – Luke Barnatt
“My prediction for UFC 204 is Bisping winning a five round decision. He is too hungry and motivated to be stopped, his pace and work rate will be too much for Henderson. He won’t be able to keep up with the volume of strikes Bisping will put out! Henderson is such a legend, the sort of tough you just can’t teach, thanks for a great career.” – Ed Arthur
“Bisping by TKO/KO in round three. Bisping will win because he’s getting better with age, the past couple of fights he’s looked great. Dan Henderson hasn’t and shouldn’t be fighting anymore, he isn’t the same fighter that he used to be. He’s lost his reactions and his chin isn’t the same after years of taking big shots. Yes, he just beat Hector Lombard but he got badly hurt in that fight and could have been stopped. I see Bisping being the smarter fighter, picking his shots in the first couple of rounds and not getting caught with the big overhand that Henderson is known for. As Henderson gets tired in the later rounds Bisping will eventually stop him with barrage of punches.” – Adam Ventre
“Hopefully Dan Henderson can knock him out in the first or second round.” –Paddy Pimblett
EDWARDS VS. TUMENOV TECHNICAL BREAKDOWN
UFC 204 takes place live from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England this Saturday, Oct 8.
