Issue 141
May 2016
After a decade with more FO starring roles than any other fighter, we salute Michael Bisping’s legacy on the front of MMA’s biggest fight magazine
No fighter has graced the Fighters Only cover more than Michael Bisping. Not even legends like Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture can match his front-and-center status in the 11-year history of mixed martial arts’ foremost publication. He was a figurehead during its genesis as a UK-only magazine and became an icon as an international ambassador while the sport, and his status in it, grew. Now he’s returned as this issue’s leading light, we take you back through ‘The Count’s history as the finest mixed martial artist to emerge from the UK.
The Ultimate Fighter
September 2006
It’s a long way from Clitheroe in Northwest England to Las Vegas, but Bisping made the leap when he became the first Brit to appear on, then win TUF. Following his 205lb finale hammering of Josh Haynes, the victor revealed he felt like he was living a dream as season champ. Things would only get better.
A storm is coming
February 2007
What better way to truly announce your arrival on the world stage than a first-round beatdown on the biggest UFC show ever? ‘The Count’s first pay-per-view Octagon appearance was a blowout of Eric Schafer and big news in Britain, as one of their own started to make strides in the US. It didn't go unnoticed Stateside either, as the event – featuring Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz 2 – broke records with more than a million PPV purchases.
High stakes
September 2008
In the intervening 18 months since his previous FO cover, Bisping suffered his first loss – a close split decision to Rashad Evans – but also reinvigorated his career with a drop to 185lb. Two straight wins led to his new role for the UFC’s UK invasion. First assignment as top agent in England: assassinate Chris Leben. He later accomplished his mission on a sold-out evening in Birmingham.
Best of British
May 2009
FO marked its 50th issue with a celebration of the history of mixed martial arts in the United Kingdom and a look to the next generation, which Magic Mike was preparing to lead back on TUF. He coached Team UK against Dan Henderson’s Team USA on the show’s ninth season and ended up celebrating a clean sweep for the Brits as Ross Pearson and James Wilks emerged as tournament champions.
Doppleganger
June 2009
“It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘playing with yourself’ doesn’t it?” For his second cover appearance in two issues, Bisping was introduced to his video game counterpart for the launch of UFC Undisputed 2009 on PS3 and Xbox 360. He wasn’t bad at the game either – defeating UFC veteran Paul Taylor by KO in their console showdown.
For queen and country
October 2010
As the start of a new decade was not particularly fruitful for fighters on the other side of the pond, Fighters Only asked: can Britain produce an MMA champion? If it could, the most likely candidate was Bisping, who donned the iconic infantry red coat for a collector’s addition cover ahead of his headline slot at London’s O2 Arena. The ensuing victory over Yoshihiro Akiyama would propel him towards that goal once again.
Going to California
October 2012
Time to embrace life across the Atlantic. Relocation to Orange County revitalized Bisping’s career, beginning with a victory over all-American hero Brian Stann. That triggered a targeting of the middleweight champ of the day. Though it would be a few years before he got the chance to finally fight Anderson Silva, he had a prophetic prediction for his dream fight: “Anderson is amazing… But I think I’m fluid enough in my standup to give him a great match.” Fast forward to February 2016 and that became a reality.
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