Bisping: Belfort Becomes ‘Walking Punching Bag’ After First Round

Michael Bisping

Bisping: Belfort Will Gas After Round 1

Michael Bisping is confident that his heightened conditioning will be his primary advantage when he faces Vitor Belfort at "UFC on FX 7." In fact, the Brit believes that the tremendous power Belfort has in his hands will not be much of a threat after round 1 of their fight.

For the first time in a while, Bisping actually has some evidence to back up his words.  Belfort's recent bouts have shown a problem with conditioning, whereas Bisping's ability to maintain an aggressive, energy-filled pace in the later rounds has been the key to his most impressive performances. This is why it would be wise for Michael to utilize a similar strategy against "The Phenom," and, according to MMAFighting.com, Bisping agrees that this is indeed an efficient game plan for his next fight.

"Far be it from me to look past Vitor. I'm trying to make this fight more significant. I'm concerned that I've got my hands full. It's not going to be easy. We're fighting in Brazil. He hits hard. But I think I'll weather the storm and he'll become a punching bag. It's well documented, rightly or wrongly, that Vitor gasses quickly. He does slow down after the first round. Obviously, early for me is going to be the most dangerous. The longer the fight goes, he'll start turning into a walking punching bag. At least that's the plan. It's easier said than done. He's going to come out hard and fast, and he will be dangerous. He's a big middleweight. He's been a heavyweight (tournament) champion, and was a light heavyweight champion back in the day. But these are the kind of fights I'm going to take if I want to back up my talking."

Bisping seems to be prepared for the blitzing Belfort of old, well aware that the control will shift in his favor if he uses the same relentless agility that led him to a victory over Brian Stann. It's safe to say that aside from Chael Sonnen, Bisping has never really faced an opponent that just comes rampaging forward the way Belfort can. But "The Count"  is clearly ready for this assault, and if he can avoid the fast and powerful fists of the Brazilian and lure him into the later rounds, it is quite likely that Bisping's greatly improved conditioning will allow him to capitalize on a tired and winded adversary.

A win over a big name like Vitor Belfort will surely put Bisping into title contention. Judging by how he handled Brian Stann, Bisping already  seems like he has Vitor's number. The ball is in Belfort's court now, as it will be difficult for him to dominate the Octagon the way he used to since Michael Bisping is just about as ready as he can be for this career changing fight at "UFC on FX 7."

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