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Michael Bisping-Luke Rockhold Feud Biggest UFC Rivalry Left To Resolve In 2014

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By @RickLaFitte

 

Luke Rockhold and Michael Bisping go nose-to-nose during promotion of UFC Fight Night 55 main event

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While there are still a number of potentially thrilling UFC encounters left to come in 2014, there may be no matchup with more venom and mutual disdain than the upcoming middleweight clash between Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold. The key 185-pound matchup will headline next week’s Fight Night 55 event in Australia, and will get the winner a step closer to a potential title shot. It’ll also settle a feud that’s been ongoing for the past two years.

The two competitors took part in an animated media conference call this week to further hype the Sydney event, and not surprisingly, it featured the obligatory profanity and verbal barbs. It’s clear that the animosity between the two top-10 contenders is quite genuine.

This bitter rivalry originated back in November of 2012, when “The Count” made comments during a television interview about getting the better of Rockhold during sparring sessions. At the time, Rockhold was the Strikeforce middleweight titlist. The outspoken Bisping even referred to himself as the “unofficial Strikeforce champion.” While Bisping later apologized and said the comment was only made in jest, Rockhold took great exception. It’s been a combustible relationship between the two since with plenty of verbal jousting.

The UFC clearly recognized the intensity of this feud as they elected to reverse course in order to finally book the fight. They shelved plans for Rockhold to face recent title challenger Lyoto Machida in a bout that made perfect sense from a ratings perspective. Instead, they opted for the sizzle and trash talk that a Rockhold-Bisping main event brings to the table.

Both men see this battle as one that has the potential to vault them into the title picture. The no. 9-ranked Bisping is a proven Octagon veteran who has fought a whopping 21 times for the organization. While he’s never been able to secure an elusive title shot, there’s a feeling that if he gets by the talented Rockhold, his time may finally come.

The no. 5-ranked Rockhold has rebounded in impressive fashion from his disastrous UFC debut against Vitor Belfort by producing back-to-back first-round stoppages. If he’s able to stop the ultra-tough, Bisping he could find himself facing the winner of the title fight between Belfort and champion Chris Weidman. That bout is set for UFC 184 in late February. Rockhold owns a notable career win over no.2-ranked Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza dating back to their days in Strikeforce.

If you examine the remaining events to close out the year, the Bisping-Rockhold tilt shapes up as the biggest Octagon feud left to resolve. If the fight itself is able to match the heated buildup, there’s a good chance it’ll go down as one of the more memorable battles of the year.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports

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