UFC 111 - Bisping insists all the pressure is on St. Pierre against Hardy

UFC middleweight contender, Michael “The Count” Bisping has been giving his thoughts on his fellow countryman, Dan Hardy and “The Outlaw’s” chances against welterweight champion, Georges St. Pierre later this month, saying the Canadian has all the pressure firmly on his shoulders.

Speaking via Fighters Only Magazine, Bisping said:

“All the pressure is on GSP. Dan’s in a great position. All the pressure is on GSP for this fight. I’ve been friends with Dan for years and I am very happy he’s earned this chance. I know Dan’s a consummate professional and I know from the UK scene he’s come up with a great game plan to bring the UFC welterweight title back to England. I will be up late, and cheering Dan of for sure.”

“He knows he’s the underdog, but every welterweight on the planet is the underdog against GSP right now. Dan is a very good striker, he has that edge over GSP, but Dan’s best weapon is his belief in himself. He won’t beat himself before the fight starts and even if GSP starts taking him down and things don’t go to plan, Dan won’t crumble psychologically.”

“He’s not going to out-grapple GSP, we all know that. But he’s got an advantage on the feet and his a very hurtful puncher. GSP’s real talent is his MMA, mixing it up, going from wrestling to BJJ, to striking and back again as fast as anyone in the sport. GSP isn’t afraid to stand with anyone. I don’t agree with this theory he won’t stand with Dan, but of course it is in his interests to take this to the ground where he has the advantage.”

Hardy secured his shot at gold after defeating Akihiro Gono, Rory Markham, Marcus Davis and Mike Swick inside eighteen months. Can the underdog get the job done in this one and keep it standing long enough to land the telling punch?  Tune in on March 27th to find out!

By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)