Challenges in the Life of Michael Bisping in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Michael Bisping. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Michael Bisping is an English sports commentator, analyst, actor, and former mixed martial artist. He is best known for competing in the UFC's middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Bisping held the UFC middleweight title and the Cage Rage light heavyweight title. He also won The Ultimate Fighter 3 light heavyweight tournament. He professionally competed from 2004 to 2017 before transitioning to commentary and analysis.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

May 2005: Cage Kickboxing Loss to Cyrille Diabaté

On 21 May 2005, Michael Bisping competed in a light heavyweight cage kickboxing contest against Cyrille Diabaté at CWFC: Strike Force 1, losing via decision.

September 2005: Stripped of Cage Rage Title

In September 2005, Cage Rage stripped Michael Bisping of the light heavyweight title due to "management issues."

July 2009: Knockout Loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 100

On 11 July 2009, Michael Bisping fought Dan Henderson at UFC 100, where he suffered a knockout loss, marking his first knockout defeat. Bisping could not remember the fight immediately after the knockout.

2009: Loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 100

In 2009, Michael Bisping lost to Dan Henderson at UFC 100. Bisping was knocked out cold and had no memory of the fight afterwards, thinking it was scheduled for two months later.

February 2010: Unanimous Decision Loss to Wanderlei Silva

On 21 February 2010, Michael Bisping fought Wanderlei Silva at UFC 110, losing via unanimous decision.

January 2012: Loss to Chael Sonnen

In January 2012, Michael Bisping fought Chael Sonnen at UFC on Fox 2, losing via unanimous decision. This fight was for a chance to challenge Anderson Silva for the Middleweight title.

July 2012: Withdrawal From Fight Due to Injury

In July 2012, Michael Bisping was forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Tim Boetsch at UFC 149 due to an injury.

January 2013: Loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX

In January 2013, Michael Bisping faced Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping, a fight that would have given Bisping a title shot if he had won. He lost the fight via second-round TKO after being hit by a head kick, which caused the retinal detachment of his right eye.

October 2013: Withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 30

In October 2013, Michael Bisping was scheduled to face Mark Muñoz at UFC Fight Night 30. However, he withdrew from the fight on September 27 due to worsening symptoms of his detached retina and decided to undergo surgery.

2013: Bisping Becomes Legally Blind in Right Eye

In 2013, Michael Bisping became legally blind in his right eye after suffering a detached retina in a fight against Vitor Belfort.

2013: Retinal detachment injury

In 2013, Michael Bisping suffered a detached retina injury during his fight with Vitor Belfort at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping, which he lost via technical knockout.

April 2014: Loss to Tim Kennedy at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale

In April 2014, after nearly a year away due to an eye injury, Michael Bisping returned to face Tim Kennedy at The Ultimate Fighter Nations Finale. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

November 2014: Loss to Luke Rockhold at UFC Fight Night 55

In November 2014, Michael Bisping faced Luke Rockhold at UFC Fight Night 55. He lost the fight in the second round after being dropped by a head kick and submitted with a guillotine choke.

September 2015: Withdrawal from Robert Whittaker fight

In September 2015, Michael Bisping withdrew from the bout against Robert Whittaker at UFC 193, citing an elbow injury.

November 2015: Withdrawal from UFC 193

In November 2015, Michael Bisping was expected to face Robert Whittaker at UFC 193. However, he withdrew from the bout due to an elbow injury.

May 2017: Cancellation of St-Pierre Fight

In May 2017, Dana White announced that the fight between Michael Bisping and Georges St-Pierre had been cancelled, after St-Pierre announced he needed more training to meet the 185-pound weight and would not be ready to fight until November.

November 2017: Loss to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217

In November 2017, Michael Bisping faced Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217 and lost the bout via technical submission due to a rear-naked choke in the third round.

November 2017: Loss to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Fight Night

In November 2017, Michael Bisping faced Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum, as a replacement for Anderson Silva. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.