(Combat Lifestyle captures Bisping’s wrestling practice at the brand new TapouT training center in Las Vegas.)
Here’s Michael Bisping, or as he will soon come to be known, “Johnny Takedown,” working on his wrestling skillz in advance of his UFC 100 bout with Dan Henderson next weekend. You’ll recall that we previously laughed off the idea that Bisping might try and take Hendo down rather than just focusing all his energy on trying to stay upright. And sure, maybe double-legs were only 10% of a wrestling practice that was 90% about sprawling and scrambling back to the feet. Still, training takedowns this close to the fight makes it seem suspiciously like Bisping intends to turn Henderson’s greatest strengths against him.
If that is the plan, it’s now officially the worst kept secret in MMA. Imagine how shocked Henderson would have been to see Bisping shoot for a takedown right off the bat. Not now though. After his wrestling coach blew up his spot and these pictures hit the internet, it’s safe to say the element of surprise is gone.
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Comments
Tue, 06/30/09 - 04:44
thats not takedown training... they are practicing synchronized breakdancing for the big talent show at school.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 04:44
I just dont see Bisping actually taking Hendo out, for that matter I cant see him taking him down either. Say what you want about Hendo but he is a world class wrestler and thats not something that can be taught in a few months.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 04:47
not to be messed up here but if bisping's hand was on the other side of this takedown it would look a little weird, I mean it looks like he is sticking his tongue into his cheek. I have no idea why I noticed that....
Tue, 06/30/09 - 04:56
While attacking an opponents strengths to try and break him, like GSP does, is a great idea, you generally need to be better than the guy you are attacking. That being said, Bisping is not now, and will never be, and Olympic class wrestler; hence, HE BE FUCKT. Bisping is so outclassed here, it is saddening.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 05:11
You sure it isn't part of his new b-boy routine? The two guys in the background seem to be practicing some footwork to transition into break dancing. It seems many fighters nowadays spend more time trying to perfect their kickboxing or boxing skills when they already have world-class ground games. Examples of failures would be Sean Sherk and Jorge Gurgel, mild success with guys like Koscheck, Hamil, Maynard (his last fight), and Mir seems to have had great success doing such. Too many of those types of fighters seem to have done it for the wrong reasons, which is putting on a better fight. Some seem humble enough that they do it for a more justifiable reason of fixing holes in their game. For Bisping this definitely isn't about putting on a better show, he's never been the kind of guy who goes out just to put on a show. He stated his plan in the Leben fight was just to win a decision, so we know he's really out there to be the best "mixed martial artist." Like Machida, A. Silva, and GSP he might be trying to go for the style of dominating without taking damage. And it seems if he's trying to work on wrestling for a guy like Hendo he's taking the GSP route. Which is not to take any chances on the feet and just put things on the ground. However, Bisping has neither the kickboxing or the wrestling pedigree that GSP has. GSP is able to do what he does because his wrestling is strong, and his kickboxing makes him a huge threat on the feet. I'm trying to figure out Bisping's plan as I write this, and it just seems that he's leaning towards creating a style like the early Machida, present A. Silva, and GSP. Mixed Martial Arts is a sport and it has rules. Thats what makes it different from the true definition of no-holds-bar combat. Because there are rules and a point system there are many ways to take advantage of those kinds of things, such as Nate Diaz retaining a kneeling position against Stevenson to prevent eating some knees. With that said, and with Bisping's admittance to planning a decision on Leben, I feel that he's just trying to perfect the style used by many other champions that seems to take fighters out of their game. However, wrestling Hendo isn't a great way to take him out of his game. But if Bisping manages to put Hendo on his back then maybe this was a good plan. It's just so hard to see Bisping putting Dan on his back right now, and also hard to see Bisping becoming champion anytime soon. That leads me into my final point, which is that as a champion, having a style which makes you elusive is perfect because you don't want someone else taking your belt. However, when you're still climbing the ranks you should be playing to your strengths to get you to the top. Once there, you can pull an A. Silva and point you way to victory to retain your belt. I'm not saying this is how all champions defend, but it does seem to be the smartest way to retain dominance. Always play the rules to your favor, you can't break the rules, but you can pave over them. It's just like I tell people who think paintball should be played in the woods, while sneaking around in camo. Paintball has evolved, and the rules of the sport as well as the technology make it more suited for higher-paced games on symmetrical fields. You're not shooting people with real guns so don't play like you are. The same concept applies to mma, in that you can strategize when and where to use technique to neutralize or dominate an opponent. The whole one knee down thing is my main example. Now that I'm hundreds of miles off topic, probably somewhere near New Jersey, I'm just gonna have to put in my 2 cents, and say I've got my money on Hendo by decision.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 05:14
@Dojima LOL if not for my post being so long I would have beat you to the breakdancing reference. @Kadumel I spotted the cheek thing too, thought it was really weird. @Dmonicideals Thats kinda the point I was pushing too with GSP's method of winning by suffocation, which is the opposite of being elussive, yet still puts your opponent in a neutral state
Tue, 06/30/09 - 05:31
Who the fuck are you Derly. Dont write shit that long up in this bitch.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 05:39
Everyone knows the Brits are amazing wrestlers. That's why Dana had the American Team on TUF 9 stuffed to the gills w. NCAA Champs.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 05:48
HAHAHAHAHAHAH 831 son just comes right out and says it
Tue, 06/30/09 - 06:56
I laughed my ass of at 831 son
Tue, 06/30/09 - 06:57
And it definately looks like Bisping is doing the penis in the cheek thing.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 07:16
It has to be trying to mind fuck Hendo. Maybe if Hendo is waiting for the shot the whole time he won't let his hands go and Bisping can pick him apart on his feet for a decision, OR just stand with him until the 3rd when Hendo thinks he isn't going to wrestle after all and then catches him off guard. IMO Bisping has no chance against Hendo if his game plan relies on taking Hendo down, and KEEPING him down.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 07:25
*shadow boxes furiously*
Tue, 06/30/09 - 07:34
Bisping's exact thoughts, "This cock is mine, RAPE TACKLE".....just saying..
Tue, 06/30/09 - 07:54
I just hope, for the sake of all that is good in this world, that Bisping isn't deliberately throwing that dude a "Wrist deep Shocker" along with that Half Assed double!
Tue, 06/30/09 - 09:18
So that's what Mask looks like in real life. Wish we could see his face...
Tue, 06/30/09 - 10:36
welcome to the hub derly..and if you look to your left you will see that 831 son is a cocksucker, along with a few others. thanks for coming by don't forget to tell 831 to bite your ass on the way out daily....he secretly likes it.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 11:47
Hendo's going to grind him into chuck steak.
Tue, 06/30/09 - 11:54
You would be taking a dirt nap if I ever saw you fag. Go fucking play in your room you little girl. You are a moron and everyone knows it. Kill yourself already.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 12:03
I hope Hendo "Babulu's his ass"(Does not stop when the fight is over either choking or punching him until is tackled then stands up and talks shit to his face) Then I hope Bisping is attacked and beat down on his way out of Vegas.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 03:08
lol @ the expression on Bispings face; he looks like he has Downsyndrome :/
Wed, 07/01/09 - 08:35
I'm just glad to see the UFC finally stop babying Bisping and put him in the ring with a real fighter, not some chump. Hendo's wrestling and ground and pound are far superior to Bisping's, and his takedown defense is better than Bisping can dish out. I think Bisping's mind games as to whether or not he'll shoot won't work on a seasoned vet like Hendo, and his stand up game is still a work in progress. Bisping's best chance a squeaking out a victory lies in the outside game, picking shots at the lead leg of Hendo trying to slow him down and using one-two combos with the hands trying to outpoint Hendo in a decision. I give Hendo the edge in a tactical fight, and see him being patient, waiting for Bisping to commit and get caught flat-footed leading to a takedown and ground and pound session. I can't foresee a submission result in this fight for either fighter, but stranger things have happened. That being said, I'm truly on the fence over this fight. I would like Hendo to win (and I believe he will) as I find Bisping to be extraordinarily cocky and a prick, and would enjoy watching Bisping getting humbled and put in his place. However, I don't see a rematch vs. Silva ending up much differently than the first time they met. Alternatively, Bisping gets the surprise win, and earns a title shot vs. Silva, where he's delivered a world class ass-whooping and humiliated when his future trash talk comes back to bite him in the ass. Bisping winning over Hendo at UFC 100 would only lead to a bigger ego, and would make it all the more crushing when his ass is handed to him in his title shot fight. I think Hendo wins, but I like the ramifications of BIsping pulling out the victory. I think December's PPV is going to be insane, and there's a strong possibility of a better fight card put together than the one at UFC 100. The timing is right for the next lightweight, welterweight, and heavyweight division title shots to be lined up, and the middleweight division could be up for grabs as well if Silva gets past Griffin unscathed.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 10:10
I'm not sure Hendo still has it, either a big one punch KO or he loses. You guys seem to forget that Rousimar blew his doors off once in their fight.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 10:24
@UFC Fan I'm not new here, just a lurker. I actually used to post a ton more before when I didn't have to sign in. Then I just stopped reading comments for a while because it was all spam, and last night I was just in the mood to post something. @Keyser Soze I totally agree that I feel Hendo will win, yet the consequences of Bisping pulling it out are more fun. I also feel that if Bisping wins we may see the decline pick up pace in Hendo's career. The man is almost 39, and he definitely wears the mask of battle. This is a very volatile match in the sense that it's hard to pick either side. But the three main events for 100 are all very volatile. You just can't say what is going to happen when Brock Lesnar enters the cage, and Alves will definitely be GSP's greatest test thus far.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 12:45
" Derly Says: Wed, 07/01/2009 - 10:24 @UFC Fan I'm not new here, just a lurker. I actually used to post a ton more before when I didn't have to sign in. Then I just stopped reading comments for a while because it was all spam, and last night I was just in the mood to post something." Oh ok well that's cool. You prolly lurked cause of shitheels like 831 son, but that's ok as you see I have his number pretty well , ha. I know just how to make him cry like the cunt he is. But he is a great target feel free to shoot at it anytime, hes nobody around here anyways just some fag from cali trying to act all tough. Glad to see you are posting more now that you are regged in, cause we need more posts to offset the garbage being posted by idiots like 831 and his gay friends. now back to the topic: Hendo will crush pisspenis like I would crush 831 son. why wait for Anderson Silva to do it, besides who knows if Anderson wouldn't weird out again and pretend hes Bruce Lee in a dance movie, I want Hendo to do the beating....and he will.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 04:48
UFC Fag, Dude stop trying to recruit people to your fag army its annoying as hell.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 06:01
Oh I am so sorry KaDUMBel your invitation is in the mail, don't get uptight! when I get the GAY army all together, I will remember you, you can be one of the generals, along with your salad tossing ballchinian friend 831 son.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 06:42
UFC FAN, I dont have any friends on here I just hate trolls like yourself. Most of the people I see on here are usually here toi discuss MMA, 831 Son included. People like you just come here to get people riled up because you have no real life friends.
Wed, 07/01/09 - 08:16
=WAR HENDO= Dangerous Dan by malicious onslaught.
Thu, 07/02/09 - 07:01
Kadumbel your stupidity is only overshadowed by your bigger mouth. You admit to having no friends, yet call Me a troll. All I can say is "pot the kettle wants his BLACK back!" so back under the bridge with you. If I didn't have to spend time tearing down little nobodys like you and 831 son I might be able to talk more MMA, but we slowly got rid of shitheads like Hal, maybe you and 831 can go next. OR maybe you can keep whining like a pair of transvestites in heat.
Fri, 07/03/09 - 08:22
Wow UFC Fan you really put me in my place. I love how you rant on about getting rid of trolls like Hal when everyone on here knows that you are just like Hal and always have been. Go back and read through your posts and I guarantee that 90% of them are you just talking shit. And yes I do not have any real friends on here, do you? How many of these posters do you know in real life? Go back to your pathetic shit talking I am done with this.
Wed, 10/12/11 - 01:35
Wow, Bisping has no idea what he is doing on the ground, a middle schooler could probably beat him. Last time I saw him he was on a riding snow blower in East Liverpool.
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