Michael Bisping
At a glance
- First British UFC champion, won middleweight title on June 4, 2016
- Calling UFC fights since February 2, 2019
- Long-term extension announced March 2, 2026
Overview
Michael Bisping was born on February 28, 1979, in Nicosia, Cyprus. Known as "The Count," he won the light heavyweight tournament on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2006, stopping Josh Haynes by TKO in the final. On June 4, 2016, he became the first British UFC champion when he took the middleweight title from Luke Rockhold.
He defended the belt once, beating Dan Henderson by unanimous decision at UFC 204 in October 2016. He announced his retirement from fighting on May 28, 2018, and the UFC inducted him into its Hall of Fame on July 5, 2019.
What you'll find
Bisping made his commentary debut on February 2, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 144. Since then he has worked as a color commentator and desk analyst for the UFC. He also calls Dana White's Contender Series, and he has worked Power Slap events since 2023. On March 2, 2026, the UFC announced a long-term extension for him, alongside new deals for Megan Olivi and Paul Felder.
Away from the broadcast, he co-hosts the Believe You Me podcast with Paul Felder. It comes out twice a week on Apple Podcasts and on YouTube, with UFC news, fight previews and reviews, predictions, and interviews, all with a comedic tone. He has also acted, with roles in XXX: Return of Xander Cage in 2017, Triple Threat in 2019, and TV series such as Strike Back and Twin Peaks.
Why follow
You get the view of a former champion who fought in the UFC from 2006 to 2017. When he calls a fight, he ties what the fighters are doing to what he went through himself in the Octagon at middleweight and light heavyweight. His angle blends technical breakdown with entertainment.
Believe You Me gives you his reactions to results and his opinions on upcoming matchups, in a looser tone than the official broadcast. Since he also sits at the Contender Series desk, he knows the prospects heading to the UFC before most fans have heard their names.
MMA Official's take
Michael Bisping is a good fit for UFC fans who want technical analysis in plain language, backed by a former champion's experience. He also suits listeners who like shows where humor sits alongside the breakdown.
Start with a Believe You Me episode released right after a major UFC card, where you get his reactions to the fights he just called. If you watch live events, follow up with his Contender Series work, where he sizes up prospects fighting for a UFC contract.