In an exclusive interview with Betway, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has revealed his thoughts on Ngannou vs Tyson Fury, as well as Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic.
The WBC heavyweight champion of the world takes on PFL heavyweight Tyson Fury on October 8th. The bout will be 10 rounds in a regulation ring, pointing to all speculation that it will be a regular boxing match. Whilst Fury’s belt won’t be on the line, the title of baddest man on the planet arguably is, and both men will be fighting for bragging rights. With the fight being as high profile as it is, many are discussing the potential result. One of those happens to be English former champion Michael Bisping.
Michael Bisping on Fury vs Ngannou
“He’s 100 percent got a punchers chance… [Fury] might pay the ultimate price.
“Francis can knock out Tyson Fury, that’s a fact. He has the power to knock him out and if he could bully him into the corner and let loose with a ferocious combination, you never know.”
It is no secret that Tyson Fury is expected to win the fight. Being the undefeated WBC champion fighting a man making his professional boxing debut, it would be anomalous if he wasn’t. However, whilst he is the favourite, he is not guaranteed. Bisping understands this; whilst Fury is a better boxer, obviously, and is rapid on his feet, Ngannou will always have that right hand in his back pocket.
Bisping also understands that Fury is not the ideal opponent for Ngannou on his debut, given his options.
“AJ would have been a better fight for Francis stylistically, 100 percent. AJ’s a bit more static and doesn’t use the same head movement. He’s had a great career, but that’s a much better opponent for him. There were rumours about Deontay Wilder as well, and that’s another matchup I’d favour him in.”
Despite Ngannou’s options, the Fury fight will garner him more attention, name value, and money.
Michael Bisping on Jones and Miocic
“You’ve got to pick Jones over Ngannou. That’s not me hating on Francis Ngannou. I’m a huge fan of Francis and his story, but this is Jon Jones we are talking about. And look how effective he was against Ciryl Gane.”
With Francis Ngannou out of the UFC and into the PFL, the Jones fight is out of the question. However, it is fun to speculate. That’s what Michael Bisping did, and sided with Jones.
Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are booked to fight each other at UFC 295. The consensus greatest UFC heavyweight ever will fight the greatest light heavyweight ever. With such a scintillating matchup on the horizon, Bisping made his opinion known.
“Stipe is different. This will answer a lot of questions about Jones at heavyweight, like can he go five rounds with the extra weight? Does he have heavyweight power, enough to make an impact? Can he take a heavyweight shot? More than likely yes to all of these things, but we don’t know for sure. Stipe will test him.”
Michael Bisping via Betway
Jon Jones defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic is a matchup MMA fans have been begging for for years. The two will face off at the Madison Square Garden on the 11th November later this year.
What do you think of Bisping’s predictions?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
