A lot of hype has been put into this fight from both the promotion of the UFC as well as Rivera himself. It only makes logistical sense after the finish from both fighters in their previous bouts. Bisping was last seen in the octagon against Yoshihiro Akiyama back in October of last year. Going all three rounds and earning the Fight of the Night bonus from Dana White, we saw one of the most technical striking and dangerous Michael Bisping's that we had ever seen. His punches were precise, on pointw and his kicks sent Akiyama backpedaling into the cage on more than one occasion.
Recently several vlog's show Bisping taking his training half-hearted and going only what appears twenty to thirty percent in sparring sessions. Another video the following week the shows Bisping at a sporting event with his children downing soda, hot dogs, and popcorn. People close to the fighter state that this unusual and hope it does not affect Bisping come weigh-ins.
It will be hard to say that Bisping will not earn this win after watching his last fight, but recent videos may state otherwise.
A mirror-image quote could be said for Rivera as well. His last appearance inside the cage was against a very powerful and always dangerous Nate 'Rock' Quarry who has had notable finishes against Shonie Carter, Jason MacDonald, and Tim Credeur. Rivera's has won six of his last nine fights, all except one ending before the judges decision. In Rivera's previous bout with Quarry, we saw the power that Rivera has in his striking when he dropped Quarry seconds into the second round.
Rivera asked for this fight soon after Quarry, calling out Bisping by name. Rivera has attacked Bisping both inside and outside the cage, taking jabs at both his nationality, accent, and training routines regularly. Videos mocking Bisping show: Rivera and Bisping playing one another in table tennis with Bisping being afraid to return a serve, Bisping talking in third person about himself while answering questions about himself, and imitations of the what is shown the in the actual Bisping Vlogs.
Bisping has taken these attacks personal stating that if he were black, hispanic, asian, etc. this qould be an outrage but because he is British, it is fine. Nonetheless all trashtalking aside, this will make for one exciting fight.
All mocking and anger aside, the odds are in favor of Bisping (-350) to Rivera (+275). After watching previous bouts of both fighters, Bisping appears to have the upper hand coming into this weekend. Although taking recent online accounts into factor, some are beginning to question Bisping's cardio and how serious he is taking this fight. With one week left, Bisping has yet to show his intensity for this fight that he has shown in the past. Rivera on camera appears ready for war and mentally collected. But, at the end of the day talk is talk and you must put up or shut up. On Saturday February 27th we will find out who will take the win.
My Prediction: Bisping via Decision
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