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As the final weeks wind down towards the UFC's inaugural Australian event, British middleweight Michael Bisping has been training hard in preparation for his coming showdown with Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva.
One of the most important aspects of any fighter's preparation is the quality of their training partners, and Bisping is fortunate in this respect, as he has been joined this week at his Wolfslair gym by friend and former UFC light-heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Rampage himself has a long history with The Axe Murderer, suffering two brutal knockouts at Silva's hands (and knees) when the two were rivals in the now-defunct Pride promotion. Silva promised to make his success against Jackson a trilogy when the two faced off at UFC 92, but it was Rampage who emerged from the match-up with his hand raised after inflicting one of the year's most vicious knockouts. Indeed, the loss to Rampage may well have been the deciding factor behind Silva's eventual move from light-heavyweight to the middleweight division.
Bisping updated his fans on his training progress with a recent diary entry at The Daily Telegraph out of Sydney, Australia, where UFC 110 will be held.
"I had some great news this week," Bisping wrote, "A welcome boost to preparations ahead of my next appearance at UFC 110. My close friend, MMA legend and the man you will see kicking ass as "BA Baracus" in the brand new 'A-Team' film in June - Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson - will be joining me in the gym this week. It is great to have Rampage back at the gym. He's a great friend and I am very grateful to have his input and support during this camp. Obviously, Rampage and Wanderlei have shared a legendary series of fights, and I am very much looking forward to getting the inside scoop on Silva and making it two-all in the battle of Wanderlei vs. the Wolf's Lair Gym. Training for this camp is already going very well. I know Wanderlei is a legend in the sport, but styles make fights and I truly believe my style is a very bad fit for Wanderlei. With Rampage giving me the insider's perspective, I am even more confident of beating the legend at the Acer Arena in Sydney on Feb 21st."
Bisping also offered some humorous insight on what it's like training with Rampage Jackson.
"Believe me," Bisping quipped, "getting out of bed early on a winter's morning knowing you are going to spend the day getting punched in the gob by Rampage isn't the world's greatest feeling. However, come fight time I will be very happy to have had the experience. As far as power goes, Wanderlei's power is legendary - but so is Rampage's. It is tough love, but Rampage will get me used to taking that kind of brutal power. At least as used to it as you can get!"
To beat The Axe Murderer, Bisping believes the mental game is the key.
"Despite Wanderlei's legendary reputation, I am not going to be overwhelmed in this fight," Bisping stated. "I am not going to stand off and be in awe of Wanderlei. Yes, he's a big-name in mixed martial arts and is one of the most recognisable figures in the sport. Yes, he also packs plenty of power in his fists. However, the way to beat Wanderlei is to go out there and show him no respect. Rampage did exactly that and he blasted Wanderlei out of there inside a round. If you give Wanderlei too much respect, he'll chew you up and spit...
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