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Predict the outcome of the Michael Bisping vs. Alan Belcher bout at UFC 159? Also, do you believe the winner will be able to make a run into contention in the middleweight division?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Short answer: Bisping, and no. Belcher looks fantastic against guys outside of the top-10, but he's never been able to hand against guys who are even close to the elite of the division. Bisping, whilst certainly not an elite middleweight, is established as a gatekeeper to the top of the division. Bisping beats the guys he's supposed to beat, and loses to the guys who are better than him. I think Bisping's boxing game will be enough to stymie Belcher's impressive muay thai. And do I think Bisping can make a run in the middleweight division? Of course not. Anyone who believes that is a homer, plain and simple. He's had his chances, he's failed time and time again. And it's a damn shame, because I like him very much. But a critical analysis leads to only one conclusion; good but not great.
C.J. TUTTLE, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Michael Bisping will beat mediocre Alan Belcher. He's heated after his loss to Vitor Belfort, and when he's got something to prove he is at his best. Remember people were saying he was next in line if he had gotten through Vitor. I think Bisping ends up fighting Anderson Silva because there literally is no one left for "Spider" to kill.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think Bisping wins a decision over Belcher. These guys have been talking a good game, but I think it plays out as expected. And as for title aspirations for either guy, they could get a title shot, but unless Anderson Silva vacates the belt they're not getting the title anytime soon. Neither guy has the goods to beat Silva. I think Bisping can earn a title shot eventually, though.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Bisping has made his mistakes but he knows his chances of ever getting a title shot are shrinking massively with each passing day. He needs to come out and dominate Belcher and stop him to make a stamp, and I believe that's exactly what will happen.
TONY BECERRA, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I'd have to go with Michael Bisping in this fight. As far as if they either will be able to make a run at the title in the middleweight division... I don't think so... not as long as Anderson Silva is still on top.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
First of all, I do not think either one of these guys has the skills to contend for the middleweight title. Not going to happen. Bisping should beat Belcher, but he will not contend for any title any time soon.
ALVIN CARTER, MMATORCH SPECIALIST
Alan Belcher is capable of surprising Michael Bisping, but love him or hate him Bisping wins this fight by decision. Belcher is technically superior in the striking department, but I have more faith in Bispings strategy. If Bisping can win this he will be one fight away from a title shot depending on how the rest of the division shakes out or if any Anderson Silva related super fights happen.
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
Michael Bisping is immense when matched up against mid tier talent; but then looks distinctly average against anyone considered a genuine contender. Luckily for the Englishman, Alan Belcher is more Jason Miller or Yoshihiro Akiyama than Dan Henderson or Vitor Belfort in terms of performing when it really counts. There is no disputing that Belcher is extremely talented: but his problem lies in the fact he’s rarely shown his full potential.
As proven many times over, Bisping only loses to the very best guys who either excel in striking or wrestling. Belcher doesn’t hit hard enough to finish Bisping standing and he isn’t strong enough to grind Bisping down for any longer than a few seconds. Belcher needs to do what no one has managed before and submit Bisping. Utilizing his clear BJJ advantage is the only way he stands a chance of winning.
Bisping has superb stand-up and is always content to throw quality in quantity for 15 minutes. Rich Hansen’s night is going to end in tears sat on his couch. He’ll be wearing some crusty old Y-Fronts scratching his nuts, wondering why his idol just got whooped. Bisping wins this one by decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
[Michael Bisping art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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