UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping is celebrated as one of the grittiest and most resilient fighters to ever step into the Octagon. Despite losing vision in his right eye following a devastating fight with Vitor Belfort, Bisping defied the odds to claim the UFC middleweight championship. His career was marked by numerous memorable moments, but perhaps none more iconic than his fierce rivalry with former 185lbs kingpin Luke Rockhold. The duo shared one of the most heated rivalries in UFC history, fueled by their contrasting personalities and intense competitive drive.

The two faced off twice in the Octagon, with each bout delivering high drama and unforgettable moments. The first meeting was decisive and went in favor of Rockhold. However, the tables turned in their highly anticipated rematch. Stepping in as a late replacement, Bisping shocked the MMA world by knocking out Rockhold in the first round to capture the gold—the crowning achievement of his illustrious career. The victory not only avenged his earlier loss but also cemented his legacy as a true champion and one of the sport’s most determined competitors.

A tale of arrogance and monumental upsets

The rivalry between Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold stands as one of the most intense and unforgettable feuds in UFC history. Spanning two electrifying fights, their animosity was fueled by trash talk, personal disdain, and the high stakes that accompanied their clashes inside the Octagon. Their first encounter unfolded in November 2014, with Rockhold emerging as the clear victor. He dominated the fight, securing a second-round submission that left little doubt about his superiority that night.

The lead-up to the bout was anything but civil, as both fighters engaged in heated verbal exchanges, setting the stage for a grudge match at UFC 199 that steeped in tension. Despite the loss, Bisping’s fiery competitive spirit and refusal to back down hinted that their story was far from over.

In June 2016, Bisping and Rockhold squared off once again, this time with the stakes at their highest—the UFC middleweight gold. The circumstances surrounding the fight added to the drama, as Bisping stepped in on 17 days short notice after Chris Weidman was forced to withdraw due to injury. Few gave Bisping a realistic chance against the reigning champion, but in one of the greatest upsets in UFC history, he delivered a stunning first-round knockout to claim the title.

The victory not only avenged Bisping’s prior loss to Rockhold but also solidified his legacy as the first UFC champ from the UK. However, the animosity between the two didn’t end in the Octagon. Even after their rematch, Bisping and Rockhold continued to exchange heated words through interviews and public appearances, keeping their rivalry alive in the eyes of fans. ‘The Count’ famously lambasted Rockhold with the latter’s catchphrase, “conceive, believe and achieve!”

This was due in part to Rockhold’s overconfidence and the lack of acknowledging Bisping as a viable contender. This mistake ultimately led to him dropping the belt in the division that he was considered the future of. Years later, Bisping appears to hold no hard feelings toward his former rival, reflecting on their rivalry as a defining chapter of his storied career. But how did this iconic feud begin? Let’s take a look at the origins of one of the UFC’s most unforgettable rivalries.

Michael Bisping traces the origin of his rivalry with Luke Rockhold

Michael Bisping has stated that his once-heated rivalry with Luke Rockhold is now a thing of the past. According to ‘The Count’, any lingering animosity has faded, and he admits that much of the conflict stemmed from his actions. Reflecting on their history, Bisping shared that what began as friendly banter eventually transformed into one of the UFC’s most intense rivalries.

In an interview, Bisping discussed the origins of their feud, which stemmed from a sparring session between the two fighters. “We sparred with each other. And I got the better of him,” Bisping said. He clarified, “I wasn’t tapping and telling. I wasn’t training and explaining or whatever you wanna call it.”

The real spark, however, came during a TV appearance in New York. Bisping explained, “I was in New York on a TV show [that had something] to do with MMA… They asked me and said, ‘Hey, we saw recently that you were sparring with Luke Rockhold. Do you mind telling us how that sparring session went?” He added, “So, I said, ‘You shouldn’t talk about training but let’s put it like this—I am now the unofficial Strikeforce champion of the world.”

While the comment was intended as a lighthearted joke, it didn’t sit well with Rockhold, who took offense. For the unversed, Rockhold came into the UFC as the Strikeforce 185lbs king after the company was bought by the UFC. What began as playful banter soon evolved into a feud that produced two memorable fights and plenty of fiery exchanges.

Now, years later, Bisping assures fans that everything is fine between the two and that they’ve both moved on. What do you think about the rivalry between Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold? Share your thoughts in the comments below!