Dana White: Bisping-Hamill Rematch a “No-Brainer”
Dana White has gone on the record about the controversial Bisping-Hamill decision and is reportedly ready to book a rematch between The Ultimate Fighter 3 contestants:
“[The rematch is] a no-brainer and I’m going to be on it right away.”
Personally, I think this bout is very unlikely to happen. The UFC has a lot to lose in a rematch and very little to gain. Although Michael Bisping’s marketability took a hit in the win he remains a viable fighter with an undefeated record. Hamill on the other hand came out the big winner with fans rallying behind the fighter and calling out the UFC and judges for the outcome of the fight. What happened at UFC 75 is history so lets take a look at what a win in a potential rematch would do for each fighter:
- Bisping wins - If Michael Bisping wins a rematch it does very little for his career as a win over someone you already beat (especially in your very last fight) is not very beneficial though it could put some criticism to rest. A Hamill loss significantly hurts his marketability as back to back losses against someone billed as a possible title contender isn’t the best accolade to possess. The first loss had fans rally behind Hamill but unless a similar (and highly unlikely) scenario plays out in the rematch many fans would simply write Hamill off as a legitimate fighter.
- Hamill wins – Should Hamill be victorious in the rematch the UFC would lose its most marketable fighter in England in Bisping. This would likely slow the UFC’s ability to continue its phenomenal expansion overseas unless another European fighter steps up but with few on the radar now one is going to be hard to come by. Bisping has essentially spearheaded the UFC’s overseas expansion but a questionable win followed up by a loss would put him out of the title picture for a long time and relegate him to less-important main card fights that most fans could care less about. Hamill would benefit significantly from a win over Bisping but in the eyes on the UFC the risk of putting Bisping back in the cage with Hamill far outweighs any benefit the UFC would receive from a Hamill win.
In the eyes of most fans Hamill won his fight against Bisping and is likely to be treated as such with a fight against another solid fighter lying ahead for the wrestler-turned-striker. Bisping on the other hand is likely to retreat to the much weaker middleweight division where he will physically match up better with other fighters and face much less resistance in his path towards the title.
Tags: Matt Hamill, Michael Bisping
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I agree that there is more to be lost than gained with a re-match. Hamill got a lot out of this fight when it comes to an increasing fan base and marketability, regardless of the fact that it’s a loss for him.
More than anything, I’d really like Bisping to stay at the weight he is in now rather than dropping down to middleweight. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a fighter in such a dire need of a lesson in humility. After the comments he made, I’d like to see Jardin, Liddell or Alexander give him the lesson that he obviously needs. Such a lesson might just make him more respectful of other fighters and teach him some manners.
Carla – There are rumors out there of Bisping facing either Houston Alexander or Tito Ortiz at UFC 81 in either February or March. These are rumors that appeared on his official site. Not official enough to report on the front page but worth passing along.
So if you look at it…its all about money. to increase the fan base and not to make the sport fair. if it all just came down to it, then they just lost a fan who pays for fights at home. moving on to Pride.
uh…how would the UFC "lose" count douchebag if he loses a rematch with hamill? He's already said he's going to 185, ducking all the LHWs in the real UFC (not UFC lite in britain). One loss doesn't wreck a fighter's career. it's not boxing.Â
Moving on to Pride scott?? Your watching Pride haha.
I dont like the idea for a rematch for the fact that it does nothing for anyone. Its dumb. Time to move on…I hate all these rematches. Tito Shamrock, Tito Rashad, and now its gonna be a Bisping Hammil show.
I hope Bisping moves to Middleweight. Im one of the few. He wouldnt stand a chance against Franklin or Silva. I just think all around he is not a great fighter.
Didn't want to break the news PRIDE doesn't exist anymore. If I had to watch another organization it'd be EliteXC
I hope he moves as well as it really boosts the middleweight division (along with Hendo). He isn't championship caliber now but he's still a solid addition. He's just a small light heavyweight plain and simple.
UFC 75 is over…..lets move on. Everyone that says they will never watch it again, then dont. I think a lot of people just starting watching the UFC for the past couple years and all of a sudden know everything about everything…..its sad. I even read in another post how one guy was gonna stop watching the UFC and start watching Pride……. yeah…… dude, did u see what the main event at UFC 75 was about?? Everyone that will always be a UFC fan…lets get pumped about Fight Night and TUF 6 next week!!!! Everyone else….have fun not watching the UFC and still talking about it online.
The Bisping vs. Hamil fight is a fight that we all want to see again. Both fighters will bring their A game and we will see who the Ultimate Fighter 3 Light Heavyweight Champion really is.
I to was one of those outraged and disappointed with the decision but with politics no doubt involved (which is a shame) I can't be too surprised but I figure since Hamill is handicapped he desirved just as much of an advantage as "count douchebag" got for being a UFC & UK darling! I saw the same crap judging happeing in Japan with Pride events with the judges favoring the Japan homeboys over the "outsiders."
I agree with you Z33ky. It is unfortunate that this kind of negativity is taking place in MMA, especially in the UFC.