Michael Bisping shocked the mixed martial arts (MMA) world last night (Sat., June 4, 2016) at UFC 199 in Los Angeles, California by knocking out Luke Rockhold in the very first round to become the Middleweight champion of the world.
For Luke, it's a devastating end to his short-lived title reign against a man he had no trouble with in their first fight. So where did it all go wrong?
To hear Luke tell UFC on FOX immediately after the loss, he simply underestimated "The Count" and got caught.
"No, it was just underestimating Bisping, it had nothing to do with my knee. It was just underestimating and over-committing with a jab. It was stupid, I just didn't feel like he had anything for me and I should've just been the guy I should be. Fight the way (I do). I over-committed with a jab and I got caught. I just didn't see him having anything for me and I over-committed. It's not about hitting hard, it's about hitting in the right spot at the right moment. And I reached in with a jab and I faded out with my chin wide open and he lunged in and caught me on the top of my chin. I felt like I was going to control the fight, but, he caught me. I'd love nothing more than a rematch, I'd love nothing more than to get my belt back."
As far as his calls for an immediate rematch, that is up in the air, though the promotion has plenty of options for Bisping.
In particular, Dana White and Co. could put Bisping on ice until November 12, 2016 to see if former division kingpin Chris Weidman is healed up from an upcoming neck surgery in order to take part in UFC 205, which is set to go down in New York City; Chris's home state.
Or, the promotion could give Ronaldo Souza his long-awaited title shot, once he earned by taking out Vitor Belfort at UFC 198. Then again, the UFC brass could simply flip the script and grant Rockhold is instant do-over?
Which, in your opinion, is more likely to happen?
For complete results from UFC 199: "Rockhold vs. Bisping 2," including play-by-play updates click here.
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