UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort includes a key Middleweight fight as Michael Bisping (22-4 MMA; 12-4 UFC) faces Brian Stann (12-4 MMA; 6-3 UFC). This is the third fight on the UFC 152 PPV. The USA TODAY / MMA Nation Consensus MMA Rankings currently have Bisping as the #6 Middleweight in the world, and Stann a few spots below him at #10. The UFC 152 PPV airs live Saturday night September 22 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
With Anderson Silva having vanquished Chael Sonnen this summer, and now getting ready to kill some time against Stephan Bonnar, the UFC Middleweight title picture has become very interesting. The winner of this fight will join the likes of Chris Weidman and Tim Boetsch as possible contenders. Add in wild cards like Alan Belcher and you have a fascinating group of contenders. The winner here could very easily break out of that pack and become the next title challenger, particularly if he wins impressively.
How do these two stack up?
Bisping: 33 years old | 6'2" | 76" reach
Stann: 31 years old | 6'1" | 74" reach
What have these two done recently?
Bisping: L - Chael Sonnen (UD) | W - Jason Miller (TKO) | W - Jorge Rivera (TKO)
Stann: W - Alessio Sakara (KO) | L - Chael Sonnen (Sub) | W - Jorge Santiago (KO)
How did these two get here?
Michael "The Count" Bisping has been a fixture of the UFC's upper ranks ever since he won The Ultimate Fighter season 3 as a Light Heavyweight. Since his drop down to Middleweight, he's come close to challenging for the title, but always come up short in the clutch fight. He's coming in off a loss to Sonnen, but it was a loss that actually moved Bisping forward as he gave Chael all he could handle, and in the eyes of many should have won the decision. Always an outspoken fighter with a strong following in the UK, Bisping has seemed primed for a title shot for ages - now might be the time.
Brian Stann is another fighter who looks primed by the UFC for a title shot, and understandably so. With his decorated military background, intelligent demeanor, and KO power, he's a marketing dream. But in his loss to Sonnen last year, he showed a real lack of highly developed skill on the ground. Give Stann a fighter who will recklessly trade shots with him and The All American will excel, but Bisping will provide a tough test.
Why should you care?
This should be a very nice stand-up battle, plus the winner could easily be next in line for Silva. I'm in.
More UFC 152 preview coverage from Bloody Elbow after the jump.
SBN coverage of UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort
UFC 152: Joseph Benavidez Vs. Demetrious Johnson Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC Fans Owe Jon Jones $55.95 For Killing UFC 151 And Improving UFC 152 - Nate Wilcox
UFC 152 Weigh-In Results: Jones 204.6, Belfort 204.2 - Time Burke
Bad Boy Presents Bloody Elbow Radio - Episode 209: Stipe Miocic, UFC 152 Preview - Matt Bishop
UFC 152 Staff Picks And Predictions - Tim Burke
Vitor Belfort's New Camp Reunites Him With An Old Mentor - Nate Wilcox
Bloody Elbow's UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort Custom Poster - Anton Tabuena
UFC 152: Michael Bisping Vs. Brian Stann Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC 152: Jon Jones Doesn't Think Dana White Will Apologize, But Forgives Him Anyway - Tim Burke
Rashad Evans Confident In Vitor Belfort, Believes He Can KO Jon Jones - Mookie Alexander
UFC 152 Pre-Fight Press Conference Video And Coverage - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Matt Hamill Vs. Roger Hollett Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC 152: The Trials and Tragedies of the UFC's Original Phenom, Vitor Belfort - T.P. Grant
UFC 152: Jones Vs. Belfort Betting Lines - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Charles Oliveira Vs. Cub Swanson Dissection - Dallas Winston
UFC 152 FX Prelims: Grant Vs Dunham, Pokrajac Vs Magalhaes Preview - David Castillo
UFC 152: Charlie Brenneman 'In Hindsight, It Wasn't Such A Bad Thing' - Steph Daniels
UFC 152 FX Prelims: Hettes Vs Brimage, Pierson Vs Benoist Preview - David Castillo
Video - Countdown To UFC 152: Jones Vs. Belfort - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Facebook Preliminary Card Dissection - David Castillo
UFC 152 Video: Jon Jones Career Retrospective - Nate Wilcox
UFC 152: Vitor Belfort Wants To Make Sure MMA Doesn't Turn Into Formula 1 - Tim Burke
UFC 152: Jon Jones Rejects Villain Role - 'I'm The Nicest Guy Ever' - Nate Wilcox
UFC 152, Chavez Jr. Vs. Martinez, And The Value Of Truth In Promotion - Fraser Coffeen
Killing The King: Jon Jones - Jack Slack
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