Chael Sonnen: “There’s No Question In My Mind Bisping Can Beat Anderson.”

Sonnen Beat Bisping in a Close Decision at UFC on FOX 2

Sonnen picks Bisping over Belfort, Silva

Even though Michael Bisping came up short when he fought Chael Sonnen in January of 2012, "The Count" still managed to silence a lot of critics that night when he debuted an incredibly effective game plan to neutralize Sonnen's take downs along with a tireless gas tank that rivaled that of the rampaging wrestler.

The decision was unanimous, but many fighters and fans believed that Bisping's performance was a victory in itself. The amount of time Chael spent pinned up against the cage while getting lit up by Bisping's short shots had all spectators slack-jawed in amazement.

Bisping's efforts were admirable enough to gain the respect of Sonnen himself, and we all know that it takes a lot to impress Jon Jones' upcoming opponent.

This is why, when asked about Michael's chances of defeating Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX 7 this Sunday night, Sonnen replied with full confidence that the man who almost beat him about one year ago will overcome Belfort and go on to become the next middleweight champion.

"Bisping gave me one of the hardest fights of my life," Sonnen told MMAFighting.com. "So it follows, Bisping will beat Belfort."

Many believe that Vitor cannot compete with the speed and endurance of Michael Bisping, so Chael's prediction for this match-up isn't too extraordinary. What is, however, is his certainty that Bisping indeed has what it takes to dethrone the greatest fighter of all time, Anderson Silva.

"Bisping has a big heart, he always comes to fight hard, he never backs down and he never quits. I know he can beat Anderson Silva and be the middleweight champion. There's no question in my mind Bisping can beat Anderson."

Sonnen undoubtedly speaks the truth in terms of Michael's will to win, but it's safe to say that only a complete domination of Vitor Belfort will have fans supporting his theory that Bisping has what it takes to steal the belt from Silva.

Aside from his 2011 knockout at the hands of the "The Spider," Jon Jones is responsible for Belfort's only other loss since 2006. So, if Michael Bisping can earn a definitive victory at UFC on FX 7 and join the ranks of these two champions, the idea of Bisping attaining middleweight gold will take a violent shove into reality.

And we all know how good Chael Sonnen is at predicting when the middleweight title will change hands.

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