“All American vs ‘Here’s the thing, guys’ American” Michael Bisping roots for Sean Strickland to face Chris Weidman after eye-poke controversy

With Sean Strickland not wanting to go through the grind of climbing up the contention ladder again, will he be open to fighting Chris Weidman?

“All American vs ‘Here’s the thing, guys’ American” Michael Bisping roots for Sean Strickland to face Chris Weidman after eye-poke controversy

Michael Bisping agrees that Sean Strickland vs. Chris Weidman is a good, stylistic matchup (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

Anthony Smith advocates for Chris Weidman to face Sean Strickland next; consequently, Michael Bisping agrees. The former middleweight titleholder returned to winning status this weekend despite some controversy. Weidman botched up a controversial TKO (punches) win over Bruno Silva at UFC Atlantic City. Smith thinks Weidman possesses the right enough skillset for the 185lber.

The several eye-pokes from Weidman led to the TKO finish. Hence, it turned into a technical unanimous decision win. Silva was left visibly impaired; Chris Weidman’s performance, however, was merited by peers. Smith and Bisping advocated for Weidman to fight one of the top-ranked fighters in the division.

Skill for skill, I think...he [Weidman] can compete with everybody in that division. But it's just, can he stay healthy enough to put a run together... If you can get him a big name, halfway up, you can fast-track him...I love that [fight with Sean Strickland] that's a really good fight. I didn't even think about that, I'm going to text him that right now...
Anthony Smith via Believe You Me Podcast
YouTube video

Playing matchmaker, ‘Lionheart’ told co-host Bisping that he would text Weidman about facing Strickland. Boasting his spot as one of the best wrestlers in promotional history, Weidman’s win was no fluke. As such, Bisping agreed with the matchup.

FS Video
Give him Sean Strickland. Sean Strickland [vs.] Chris Weidman. ‘The All-American’ against ‘Here’s the thing guys American.’ Do it. I think that’s a good matchup...
Michael Bisping via Believe You Me Podcast

Sean Strickland would be a major step up for Weidman. Strickland recently lost his title strap at UFC 297. Strickland fighting the unranked ‘All-American’ doesn’t mean much. As Weidman approaches 40 years soon, he might not have a lengthy career ahead. As such, Smith’s idea of putting Weidman against Strickland gives definitive proof that the ‘All-American can compete against top-tier competition or if he should retire. After all, most fighters compete to one day win the title.

Fighters and coaches support Chris Weidman’s win despite controversy

Regardless of the backlash from fans, Chris Weidman has garnered substantial support from fighters and coaches. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier supported Weidman and claimed he deserved to win. Moreover, Cormier claimed Silva should not have acted like a soccer player.

Was Chris Weidman's last win justifiable? Should he move on to Sean Strickland next?
Was Chris Weidman’s last win justifiable? Should he move on to Sean Strickland next? (Source: IMAGO/bleacherreport.com)

Longtime coach Ray Longo said he was initially worried about the unintentional fouls. Longo went on Sirius XM’s MMA channel. Longo admitted being worried about the end result. However, he argued that Weidman had won the first two rounds and, therefore, deserved to win the fight. This is a sentiment similar to Cormier’s.

Longo wasn’t the only one who thought he was winning or found that justifiable. Famed referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy reiterated to co-host and ex-UFC star Josh Thomson that the overturn was justified. McCarthy said since the fight advanced to the 3rd round, eye-poke or not, Weidman was liable to a technical win. As such, many in the MMA community have supported Weidman despite the fan backlash.

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