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Weidman: Bisping lacks mentality of a champion

ESPN staff
July 26, 2012
Does Michael Bisping have what it takes to earn a UFC middleweight title shot? © Getty Images
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Chris Weidman has questioned the mental toughness of Michael Bisping, insisting he always loses when it matters.

Weidman, expected to become the next man to fight UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, has respect for Bisping. However, he is unsure of the Brit's chances against Brian Stann due to the significance of the fight.

It is believed a win for Bisping might book him the next title shot after Weidman, and the American insists the Brit does not cope well in such circumstances. Past No. 1 contender bouts with Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen have both ended in defeat, and Weidman believes that is a mental issue.

"I know he is good and talented and he has faced some good guys but every time he has faced a top ten guy he has lost," the unbeaten middleweight told Fighters Only. "Like with the Chael Sonnen fight he did awesome and a lot of people thought he could have won but he didn't find the way to win.

"And I am not knocking him - I think he's a great fighter, I really do - but I question his mentality against top guys when the pressure is on. Which is pretty much what everyone says about him.

"He has had chances to fight for the title twice now and he doesn't come through when the pressure is on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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