Morning Report: Michael Bisping: 'Now that we have USADA in the mix, I've become world champion.'
UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping implies that the implementation of USADA drug testing is what allowed him to finally become world champion.
The Diaz brothers are MMA's leading trend setters.
A common refrain of Nick and Nate Diaz is that everyone competing in MMA (aside from themselves) is "on steroids." Lately, with the advent of USADA and the frequency of fighters failing drug tests, more and more fighters seem to be ascribing to this idea. Last week, Conor McGregor, Diaz's opponent for his upcoming UFC 202 fight, agreed that "they f*cking are all on steroids." This week, it's UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping.
Writing for Champions.co, Bisping addressed the seeming ubiquity of PED usage in MMA, agreeing in principle with the Diaz brothers.
"Everybody knows my stance on PEDs, and that hasn't changed one little bit. The Diaz brothers say that everybody is taking steroids, but obviously there are still some of us that aren't. I kind of hear what they're saying, though. I think the large majority of our athletes are on something."
Bisping has been one of the most vocal opponents of PEDs in MMA for many years so his alignment with the Diaz brothers on this topic is not surprising. However, he does take it a step farther by suggesting that the implementation of USADA drug testing and the removal of PEDs from his competitors is why he is now the middleweight champion.
"Now that USADA is clamping down on performance enhancers, people are getting popped left and right. They still have a long way to go, but people are getting caught, and that's what counts. It's funny, now that we have USADA in the mix, I've become world champion!
"I've been here all this time, and yes, I have improved, and my coaches have worked hard with me to get me where I am, but USADA's presence and my becoming world champion isn't such a crazy coincidence. I think there's a reason for that."
Bisping is 29-7 in his professional MMA career with all 7 losses coming in the UFC and each to a different opponent. Of those seven losses, three have never been connected to steroid use (Tim Kennedy, Rashad Evans, and Luke Rockhold), three have been associated with PED usage (Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and Wanderlei Silva) and Dan Henderson was on TRT at the time of their fight, which Bisping views as cheating despite it being legal at the time.
It should be noted that Bisping won the championship by knocking out Luke Rockhold. As stated above, Rockhold has never been associated with any PED usage so Bisping winning the title from him somewhat belies the implication that it was the prevalence of PEDs which prevented him from winning the title sooner.
Still, whether or not USADA played a role in his winning the championship, Bisping is enormously proud of having climbed the mountain 100 percent cleanly.
"You know what the best part is? I've been here all this time, and I've never tested positive for anything other than hard work and dedication. I take a lot of pride in that, and I look forward to the rest of my career knowing that I've accomplished all this on my own terms, without the benefit of external drugs. In this day and age, that's quite an achievement."
Michael Bisping defends his title against Dan Henderson at UFC 204 on Oct. 8th in Manchester, England.
MUST-READ STORIES
He back, mama. Georges St-Pierre says he has enrolled in USADA testing program.
Embarrassment. Chris Weidman says it's "a little embarrassing" that Michael Bisping is the middleweight champion.
Darker places. Georges St-Pierre believes he will beat Nick Diaz "way worse" should they rematch.
EXTRA CREDIT READING
Judo. Karim Zidan of Bloody Elbow discusses Kayla Harrison's historic judo career and her potential to make the jump into MMA.
MEDIA STEW
The video everyone is talking about. Cyborg can't make 135 nor should she need to try. Just let her Tyson the shit out of anyone who is willing to fight her at 145.
Conor sparring. I'm thinking this time he actually tries to work a concentrated body attack on Diaz.
Dominick Cruz hinting he might take over for Joe Rogan.
The champ is here.
And here's a KO to brighten up your day.
LISTEN UP
Heavy Hands
Press Row
TWEETS
And do began a Twitter beef.
@dragonsfighter @lokesh1092 Conor can't beat people who only get 2 weeks to train for a fight, he's a mutt just like@danhardymma was a mutt
— matthew riddle (@riddletuf7) August 8, 2016
@riddletuf7 @dragonsfighter @lokesh1092 didn't you once say that you smoked weed so you didn't beat your kids?
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) August 8, 2016
Didn't you used to be a @UFC fighter? Still a full-time prick though eh? How's life as a loser?https://t.co/CzAHgZQt1l
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) August 8, 2016
Hey @riddletuf7, where's that 4-fight win streak? Two failed drug tests in your last 3 @UFC fights? #Winnerpic.twitter.com/qfGoyF9rRF
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) August 8, 2016
@danhardymma @ufc you're hilarious bro,I still remember you dodging me at Drysdale's because you knew I'd work you #overrated #bro
— matthew riddle (@riddletuf7) August 8, 2016
@riddletuf7 haha! Stick to the fake stuff you clown. I didn't train with you because you aren't worth my sweat. You are a chump.
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) August 8, 2016
@danhardymma I'll be in England in December maybe I'll bring you a gift #pain
— matthew riddle (@riddletuf7) August 8, 2016
There are more replies from Riddle but you get the idea.
You sound like a cheesy pro-wrestler. I'm surprised they even allow you a passport. Are you coming with the circus? https://t.co/61tfnF5G3B
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) August 8, 2016
Would watch.
▶️RUMOR◀️ There's interest from UFC in doing @ChaelSonnen vs. @nickdiaz209 at 185 pounds. Possibly Madison Sq Garden pic.twitter.com/j50th9SQfZ
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) August 10, 2016
And both are coming off long layoffs.
Makes a lot of sense though right? Nick wants a big PPV check. Chael waffling on retirement. He's never told Uncle Dana no.
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) August 10, 2016
Weidman is gonna smash Bisping whenever they do fight.
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 10, 2016
This is as close to the truth as i think it will ever get. https://t.co/87i9kpbF7V
— Phoenix Jones (@ThePhoenixJones) August 10, 2016
DL needs to make his own Social Media Championship belt.
When you trying to cut weight in peace but TMZ want a be sneaks a pic pic.twitter.com/JKbb6D0Yym
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) August 11, 2016
She's as good a prospect as women's MMA has ever had.
It's set! My next MMA fight will be Oct. 14th in Dallas, TX one more time for @legacyfighting ! For who is in...https://t.co/fm2Ztm56JP
— MackenzieDern (@MackenzieDern) August 10, 2016
Conor accepting the Nate fight was an exceptionally bad choice.
The Irish must be flat broke. UFC can't move tickets for 202. Just reduced lower bowl tix from 515 to 400. Uppers from 365 to 215.
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) August 10, 2016
I respect anyone with the balls to step in the octagon and fight, and for that reason I wish @CMPunk all the best in his upcoming fight.
— michael (@bisping) August 10, 2016
Surprise visit from USADA ... at work
— Marion Reneau (@BelizeanBruiser) August 10, 2016
Congrats to Cyborg.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
N/A
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
2012: Benson Henderson defended his lightweight title in his rematch with Frankie Edgar, winning a unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 150.
FINAL THOUGHTS
And that is it for today M.Rmy. Yesterday, you all decided John Kavanagh was a good coach. Today we will ask the great question that the Diaz brothers so eloquently answer: who all is on steroids?
Hope everyone has a great day. See y'all tomorrow.
If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting because we post dope things and you should enjoy them.