Israel Adesanya had ‘air of arrogance’ during upsetting defeat against Sean Strickland at UFC 293, says Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping gave his opinion on Israel Adesanya being arrogant at UFC 293 and not seeing Strickland as a threat.

Israel Adesanya had ‘air of arrogance’ during upsetting defeat against Sean Strickland at UFC 293, says Michael Bisping

Israel Adesanya to return sooner than announced (Via Imago)

Michael Bisping believes that Israel Adesanya lost to Sean Strickland because of arrogance. Bisping spoke with Adam Cattrall and Nick Peet for TNT Sports. Bisping is a former middleweight champion in the UFC. The former middleweight champion compared the victory to his own victory over Anderson Silva in London. Bisping congratulated Sean Strickland and believed him to be a true champion.

Michael Bisping clarified that Strickland used his footwork to put Adesanya on the backfoot. “The Count” also said that Adesanya was arrogant even after getting clipped in the first round. Bisping’s remark on the tactical and mental side of things was spot on. Bisping further clarified that Adesanya had a smug look on his face in the corner after the round. This is what made Bisping question his demeanor.

Bisping won the title against Luke Rockhold in a short-notice fight. Like Adesanya, Rockhold was arrogant and gave Bisping no chance. The British fighter was coming off a victory over Anderson Silva and was full of confidence. Strickland had earlier said about channeling his inner Michael Bisping being necessary to beat Adesanya. Strickland was a six-to-one underdog in the fight, and Adesanya was predicted to win by the majority of oddsmakers.

The British fighter is currently settled in the USA and is a commentator with the UFC. Bisping has also acted in a few Hollywood movies. He also has a Youtube Podcast with Anthony Smith called “Believe You Me”. The Podcast is known for getting good insights from fighters with Bisping’s interview skills.

Related: “You saved that man’s life,” Sean Strickland’s coach reveals CR*ZY chat with Israel Adesanya after beating Nigerian champ

Michael Bisping doesn’t want an immediate rematch for Israel Adesanya

Michael Bisping
Michael Bisping (Image via Imago)

The former middleweight champion is not in for Dana White’s idea of an immediate rematch for Israel Adesanya. Michael Bisping thought that Adesanya should take rest as he was a promotional workhorse. Moreover, he clarified that Adesanya had lost 2 of his past three fights. Bisping did not think it warranted a rematch. Immediate rematches are for long-reigning champions.

Bisping is in for the idea of fresh matchups for Sean Strickland. He thinks that Paulo Costa, Khamzat Chimaev, Jared Cannonier, and Dricus Du Plessis are in pole position for a title shot. Du Plessis was the original opponent for Adesanya at UFC 293. Costa and Chimaev are fighting at UFC 294, and Cannonier was the backup for UFC 293.

It remains to be seen what the promotion plans for Strickland. Apart from Adesanya, Chimaev is the biggest star in the division. Strickland and Chimaev have a history as they have trained together. Costa and Strickland have a beef. Moreover, Cannonier beat Strickland in a controversial split decision.

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