• UFC 159

Belcher 'not scared' of 'jerk' Bisping

ESPN staff
April 26, 2013
Belcher talking to ESPN


Alan Belcher has labelled Michael Bisping a "jerk" and vowed not to be scared of the "bully" when the pair meet in Saturday's UFC 159 co-main event.

The middleweight encounter is of huge importance for both men, with Belcher coming off a loss to Yushin Okami while Bisping attempts to bounce back from his own setback against Vitor Belfort.

Back-to-back losses for either man would leave title dreams in tatters, and Belcher took time out with ESPN to explain why he dislikes the Brit.

"I want to win this fight worse than any fight I've ever had. He's not a hard guy to dislike. Most people dislike him. Everybody thinks he's a jerk, I do, and I feel like everybody else agrees too," Belcher said.

"I'm not into trash-talking, I stood up for myself through some videos - I feel like Mike tries to intimidate people and I refuse to be bullied, but all that's over with.

"I'm ready to get it on. The fans get behind it, they say 'You've got to beat this guy', and it does fuel your fire when somebody talks trash about you. It makes it easier. Getting emotional will help me out."

Both Bisping and Belcher don't boast a major history of knockout power, but the American believes his Thai boxing background gives him the necessary technique to stop his rival.

"I'm not the most powerful person, but with my technique and experience, I can hit hard enough to hurt him and finish him. I also have a good chin so it's going to be difficult for him to hurt me," he said.

"To me, it doesn't look like he hits real hard, but when I get in there it might be a different story. I've been in there with some real sluggers though, so I'm not scared at all."

Bisping expects to undergo minor surgery directly after the fight, although he is determined to appear on a potential UK card later this year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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