Michael Bisping claims he could easily beat Israel Adesanya

The last person who insisted Israel Adesanya would be an “easy” fight was looking up at the lights when all was said and done.

But that’s because Derek Brunson was too scared to mount an effective offense, according to former middleweight champion, Michael Bisping. While “The Count” likes what he’s seen from Adesanya thus far (sample here), he isn’t quite ready to anoint him the new king of the 185-pound weight class.

Especially considering how easily he would handle “The Last Stylebender.”

“I like Israel Adesanya but I’ll tell you something, if there’s one person if you asked me who I want to fight right now, it would be Israel,” Bisping said on his official podcast (via MMA Fighting). “When I look at him - listen, he’s good, he’s great, but I’m sorry, I’m not buying it. I’m not saying I’m not impressed. I’m on the hype train. He’s good, he’s beating people. He’s beating the Marvin Vettoris of the world. He had a good win against Derek Brunson, but Derek Brunson looked like shit. He was terrified. I think I would have an easy time with him. Just saying, just throwing it out there.”

Bisping was last seen getting knocked out by Kelvin Gastelum, just throwing it out there.

We may or may not learn more about Adesanya in the coming months, as he’s set to collide with his longtime idol and former division champion, Anderson Silva, in the UFC 234 co-main event this February in Australia (details).

No question a strong showing — and potential finish — would go a long way in cementing Adesanya a crack at the middleweight crown, which is up for grabs at UFC 234 when Robert Whittaker defends against the aforementioned Gastelum.

Just be glad Bisping isn’t there to stand in his way.