Michael Bisping is one of the biggest names in the world of MMA. The 44-year-old former champion is retired from the sport and is busy analyzing fights on his YouTube channel. However, a recent YouTube video on the UFC channel gave fans insight into his famous fight with Anderson Silva. 

It was 2016, and Bisping was still waiting for his title opportunity. His losses against Luke Rockhold and Chael Sonnen pushed away his hopes of a title shot. However, a phone call from UFC CEO Dana White changed everything for the Brit. 

Michael Bisping claims White asked him to fight Silva

Bisping (30-9 MMA, 20-9 UFC) had already made a name for himself in the division. However, he had to wait long before getting a title shot. ‘The Count’ always wanted to fight Anderson Silva, considered by many to be the greatest middleweight fighter. Bisping finally got the opportunity to fight the Brazilian, and in the latest video, he describes how the fight happened. 

In the YouTube video, Bisping said: ”So it was Christmas Eve and I was initially supposed to fight Gegard Mousasi in London February 27th. And I am at home and get a phone call and I look at the phone and it’s Dana White.” Upon picking up the phone White said, “Listen we’ve got a change of opponent. We want you to fight Anderson Silva in London.” Well, it goes without saying that Bisping agreed since he has “always wanted to fight Anderson Silva.” Michael further stated that, even though people thought he was “crazy” he thought he could beat Silva.

‘The Count’ did prove everyone wrong and managed to beat Silva in his first go. Beating Silva took his winning streak to three fights and gave him his first opportunity to fight for the title next. But who did he face for the Middleweight title? 

‘The Count’ took on Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 for the title

After an impressive performance against Silva, Bisping took center stage against the then Champion, Luke Rockhold, at UFC 199. ‘The Count’ entered the fight with confidence and shook the entire world after he knocked out Rockhold in the first round. Bisping was the underdog in the battle as he previously lost to Rockhold via submission from a guillotine choke. 

Read More: Conor McGregor Puts Michael Chandler Back in Place With Iconic 6-Word Retort

The 44-year-old is now a retired champion and is enjoying his post-retirement life. Bisping lost his title to George’s St Pierre at UFC 217, and his last professional fight came against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 122. Do you think Michael Bisping is one of the greatest middleweight fighter ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch this story: Deontay Wilder’s Ambition To Fight In The UFC