UFC 127 Preview: The Main Card

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Middleweights
Michael Bisping vs. Jorge Rivera

The Matchup: The UFC seems content to glad-hand Bisping in terms of matchups, milking his marketability as long as possible before finally having to move him up in competition, where he ultimately falls short. Wildly popular in the U.K., the winner of Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter” has been consistent against B-level competition in the organization but falters when trying to move to the next level.

It is not for lack of trying. Rashad Evans conducted a wrestling clinic on him that surprised no one at UFC 78, and, after a noxious prefight trash talk buildup with Dan Henderson leading into their clash at UFC 100, Bisping was brutally knocked out by the two-time Olympian in the worst loss of his career. Bisping gave a credible showing against a game-but-aging Wanderlei Silva at UFC 110, but it slipped away from him in the final moments, when Silva battered him with a round- and fight-clinching assault.

A tough veteran, Rivera represents the ideal opponent for Bisping at this point. He has built an inspiring win streak over his last three bouts, this after his career at the UFC level seemed on the downside. Rivera is not an overpowering wrestler who will take down Bisping and negate his game. He comes into slug, which gives Bisping an excellent chance to win.

Bisping is not the bigger hitter in this matchup, but his footwork and ability to mix up strikes are far superior. Rivera relies on an aggressive, wade-in style through which he forces confrontations and tests an opponent’s chin. Bisping’s jiu-jitsu remains vastly underrated, however, and he uses the cage well to right himself when taken down. This bout carries with it all the hallmarks of Bisping getting the kind of win increasingly characteristic of his career, where he will stick and move, endure a bad spot or two and take a decision.

The Pick: If Rivera can turn it into a slugfest, he will have his best chance to win, so the key factor lies in Bisping keeping a cool head, moving away when hurt and using his superior standup to pull out a decision or late stoppage. He will do just that in this one.

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