• UFC 120

Bisping wins striking war with Akiyama

Michael Bisping produced the best performance of his UFC career © Getty Images

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Michael Bisping stated that he feels like a world champion, and at UFC 120 he took a giant step towards getting a crack at the middleweight title, beating Yoshihiro Akiyama via unanimous decision.

Bisping said prior to Saturday's main event that he felt he needed two victories to earn a crack at the 185lb champion. And on the back of his best performance inside the Octagon, that dream is one step closer to becoming a reality after he scored 30-27 on all three judges' scorecards.

For any doubters of the Bisping chin, the Briton ate a huge right from Akiyama with almost the first punch of the bout, flinching momentarily before roaring straight back. For the majority of the remainder of the round Bisping's hands were faster and more active, finishing with a flying knee on the bell to sway the judges.

"It was right at the start of the first round," Bisping said of Akiyama's big right hand. "I was seeing double. I couldn't see out of my eye. I thought shit, this isn't good!

Akiyama undoubtedly carried more power, the torque on the right hand reverberating around the Arena, but Bisping connected more frequently and with greater variety, tagging the Japanese midway through round two.

Bubbling under the entire bout was a clear mutual respect between the two fighters, with both acknowledging spinning back fist attempts with a wry smile, but it was Akiyama who went into the third round with some momentum after he launched a late onslaught to finish the second stanza.

However, following a low blow by Bisping early in the third, he put on a master class of striking, rocking Akiyama endlessly as he accelerated to victory, leaving his opponent on his knees at the bell.

"Akiyama's a great fighter, but I truly believe in my skills," said Bisping. "Thank-you England. I'm training my arse off, regardless of what people say on the internet. With a bit of luck, hopefully I'll get the gold soon."

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