UFC 110: “Bispings a wanker …”
… was the cheer from the Australian crowd as Michael Bisping was attempting to defeat Wanderlei Silva yesterday at the UFC 110 premier in Sydney, Australia today. It was indeed a proud moment when all Australians present took delight in booing the Englishman (Michael Bisping) and cheering anyone with an Australian (George Sotiropoulis) or New Zealand (James Tu Huna) accent.
Since his skull pounding loss to Dan Henderson in UFC 100, Michael Bisping has been trying *really* hard to play the nice guy and show a bit of good grace and humility. Fortunately, Bisping’s recent show of humility hasn’t fooled a lot of UFC 110 fans who boo’ed him (1) before the fight, (2) during the fight and after the (3) fight.
Bisping vs Silva
I hate to say it, but Australians love to hate the English when it comes to sport. Don’t even think that our Colonial heritage might lend itself to offering some support to our motherland. Any team flying the English flag on Australian soil can expect a frosty reception at best.
I got some great photos from my 2nd row seats, but I also noticed the Rampage Jackson was in Bisping’s corner. Apparently Rampage has been helping Bisping train, especially with his experience in fighting Silva on three separate occasions.
Round 1
Both Bisping and Silva launch into an irregular rhythm of head movement and punches as each fighter attacks and counters. Bisping managed to take Silva down twice, both early in the round, but Silva managed to show flurries of aggression with big overhand rights, forcing Bisping to retreat on numerous occasions.
Round 2
Silva, very aggressive and taking the center of the Octagon manages to kick the legs from under Bisping and engage in some good ‘ole ground ‘n pound. Excellent parries, blocking and head work saw Silva avoid damage, but couldn’t prevent Bisping taking him down twice again. The last 10 seconds of the round saw Silva catching Bisping in a guillotine which could have ended the fight if there was more time.
Round 3
Bisping’s 3rd round started more confidently with short, sharp and controlled movements that controlled the center of the Octagon. A fairly even exchange of of punches and kicks was marred by Bisping kicking Silva in the groin (boo) and then putting his fingers in Silva’s eyes (boo). The round convincingly went to Silva as he sent Bisping to the canvas with two big right hands in the last 10 seconds of the fight.
Decision
All three judges scored the rounds 29/28 declaring the winner, by unanimous decision, Wanderlei Silva … Very close, but Silva deserved the win after a great effort. The Aussie crowd really appreciated it too and got behind Silva in his victory with roof-raising cheers.
Michael Bisping? Once the booing died down in Bisping’s post fight interview with Joe Rogan… Well he complained a little, said his sorries and then his thanks, which was enough to get his one and only cheer from the crowd.
Well done Bisping … Have a beer then piss off back home with the Aussie “Bispings a wanker … Bispings a wanker!” jeer ringing in your head. :p
