The MMA Digest

Photo: msuwrestling.com

This time around a close decision went against Michael Bisping. Two months after winning a close fight via decision against Matt Hamill, Bisping was defeated last night via split decision by Rashad Evans.

Takedowns by Evans in the first stanza gave “The Ultimate Fighter 2″ winner the edge in round one, while the second round saw Bisping turn up his aggression and striking prowess.

The third round was the key period and proved to be the closest of the three. Evans’ takedowns may have proved to be the deciding factor in round 3 and perhaps swayed 2 of the 3 judges who chose him to be the victor. “I controlled the pace of the fight by being able to take him down,” Evans said. “I think that was the determining factor.

Bisping agrees and while disappointed about his first loss in MMA, is content with his performance and optimistic about his future. “The takedowns were the determining factor, no question,” Bisping said after the bout. “He did get some takedowns, but I got up each time. I’m probably going to get slammed for this fight, but I fought a tough fight. People said that I didn’t belong here, but I think I proved myself. It was a dream come true.”