Sherdog’s Top 10Sherdog’s Top 10: Fighters Without UFC Gold
Number 10
Michael Bisping has never fought for a UFC title. | Photo:
Daniel Herbertson/Sherdog.com
10. Michael Bisping
Bisping is Exhibit A when it comes to talented fighters who just cannot quite get over the hump. Despite 19 UFC bouts to his credit, “The Count” has never had the opportunity to vie for promotional gold. That does not mean Bisping has not had his fair share of success.
Since winning Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the cocksure Englishman has posted 14 victories in the Octagon, toppling the likes of Matt Hamill, Chris Leben, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Brian Stann and Alan Belcher along the way. However, the prevailing theme for Bisping’s career has always been “close but not quite.”
Bisping has been a staple of the middleweight Top 10, but when it comes to title eliminator bouts, the Manchester native is still waiting for his breakthrough. Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen and Vitor Belfort have all stamped out Bisping bids for the No. 1 contender spot over the years. Henderson and Belfort did so in brutally violent fashion, much to the delight of Bisping’s detractors.
As a result, one of the sport’s top heels is still chasing down the dream. Fortunately for him, there is no shortage of suitors looking to challenge “The Count” to a fight. Now 35 years old, time is running out for Bisping. It is possible that his next No. 1 contender bout -- should one arrive -- could be his last.
Number 9 » Nick Diaz
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