After more than a decade fighting his way through the UFC ranks, Michael Bisping has captured the middleweight championship.
Dubbed as a massive underdog entering UFC 199, “The Count” needed barely 90 seconds to dispose of now former-champion Luke Rockhold. Bisping sent Rockhold crumbling to the floor with two huge left hands to the face, following it up with a couple more punches before the referee was forced to stop the fight.
You can watch it above.
The new champ was understandably ecstatic after shocking the world at The Forum:
10 Years in the making!!!!! #AndNew @Bisping #KingdomTV t.co/mwLb4wFrET
It would be difficult to find someone who deserves this moment more than Bisping, who was competing in his 25th career UFC fight but first title shot. He has doled out tons of punishment, taken tons of punishment and transcended countless hurdles over the last decade.
Many thought Bisping was done after a loss to Rockhold back in late 2014, but he reeled off three consecutive wins, including one over all-time great Anderson Silva, to plant himself right back in the title picture. Still, taking this fight with just 17 days notice, no one thought the Brit had any chance.
Alas, that’s how things tend to go in this sport, where one well-timed punch can change the outlook of a division in an instant.
It’ll be interesting to see who Bisping’s first title defense comes against, but first, he gets to celebrate.
He’s certainly earned it.
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WATCH: Michael Bisping Knocks Out Luke Rockhold at UFC 199