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Bisping facing 'rude awakening' says Condit

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Carlos Condit believes Michael Bisping is in for a rude awakening this weekend when he meets talented judo player Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Akiyama is a world class grappler, boasting a 3rd Dan black belt in judo, and he holds a gold medal from the 2001 Asian Championships. The Japanese superstar has been honing his skills with reknowned MMA coach Greg Jackson ahead of Saturday's clash with Bisping, which will elevate the winner closer to a shot at the middleweight title.

Condit has been training in the same gym over the past month, sparring with Akiyama, and he admits it was difficult to prepare himself for the first time Akiyama put him on his back.

"I had a chance to train and spar with him over the past month, he's a great training partner," Condit told ESPN.

"First of all, I didn't know he was an Olympic judo guy, so that's a surprise when your feet are over your head - it's a rude awakening at 9.30 in the morning!

"But he's a great partner, we had a lot of time to work, and training with him really helped me prepare for my fight with Dan Hardy. Bisping and Akiyama are both great fighters and I'm interested to see who comes out on top."

Much has been made of Akiyama's switch to the Jackson gym, with Bisping insisting he 'couldn't care less' who Akiyama trains with, but Condit insists the wealth of knowledge that Jackson boasts is priceless.

"Greg has been at this sport literally before even you knew what it was. Before people had even heard of the UFC, or jiu-jitsu, or the Gracies, Greg Jackson was coaching and developing his system.

"That, in addition to him being a master tactician, is the reason why he's so good."

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