Luke Rockhold was originally set to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship for the first time against former titleholder Chris Weidman. Instead, Rockhold will face Michael Bisping at UFC 199 following Weidman’s withdrawal due to injury.
With Bisping accepting the bout on less than three weeks' notice he has opened as a large +450 underdog with the champ coming back at -700 at Sportsbook.
These two met once before back in 2014 in what was a relatively easy victory for Rockhold. Rockhold won within the first minute of the second round via a guillotine choke.
Bisping is a striker who relies on volume more than anything else. ‘The Count’ does not possess one-punch knockout power at this point of his career, but excels at wearing down opponents over time. Bisping enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak – with his last loss coming against Rockhold – with each of those victories coming via decision.
Rockhold is one of the most well-rounded fighters in MMA today. His BJJ black belt has led him to record nine wins via submission, but his unique kick-based striking makes him a danger on the feet. The San Jose native has won his past five UFC fights all via stoppage – three submissions and two TKOs.
Bisping has been around the UFC since 2006 and it makes sense that he is finally rewarded with a title shot, but he has still yet to prove he is more than a gatekeeper. Bisping has been facing middling fighters – at best – while Rockhold has been fighting the best middleweights in the world. This line is deservedly large considering Bisping’s recent competition, the first fight between the two and the short notice.
- Luke Rockhold -900
- Michael Bisping +550
