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Bisping: I've been told I get title shot with Stann win

Michael Bisping is gunning for Brian Stann © Getty Images

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Michael Bisping claims the UFC has told him he will earn a middleweight title shot if he beats Brian Stann in impressive fashion at UFC 152.

The middleweight picture is expected to become clear on Saturday, with president Dana White promising to announce a series of match-ups at the UFC 149 post-fight press conference.

Widespread expectation is that Hector Lombard will book the next shot at Anderson Silva, if he beats Tim Boetsch impressively on Saturday. However, Bisping's revelation has sparked intrigue.

"I've been told if I beat him [Stann] - and beat him well - I'll get a title shot," Bisping said. "But I haven't gotten it in writing, so it probably doesn't mean anything."

As for the prospect of Lombard getting the next crack, Bisping would have a major problem with it. In his eyes, of all the 185-pounders in with a shout, Lombard poses least threat to the champion.

"People are saying he's going to be next for Anderson Silva? Come on," Bisping said. "There's just no way he can fight Anderson Silva, because Silva's game is to use range.

"I think it will be a terrible match-up for Hector Lombard. He'll never get near him."

Bisping and Stann is an interesting match-up, with Bisping perhaps boasting the advantage due to his takedown ability. If he does beat the American to book a title shot, he is convinced he would cause Silva serious problems.

"Every time I watch him fight, I think he always looks mortal if you will," Bisping said. "He always looks beatable. That's the good thing about a champion: they find a way to win. Regardless of how bad the fight goes, how it ends is the important thing.

"Anderson always comes out the winner. My hat is off to him, but I see holes in his game."

If or when Bisping does secure his first title shot, he admits he doesn't envision it taking place in England, unfortunately.

"Zero," answered Bisping, on his chances of talking the UFC into a title fight in his native country. "It would be my dream to fight in England but we don't have the pay-per-view culture in England. It's as simple as that."

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