Michael Bisping: UFC should book Volkanovski vs. Dvalishvili in 2026.
Alright, fight fans, let's break this down. Michael Bisping, the man with a championship pedigree and a mic skillset that's almost as sharp as his fighting was, just dropped a take that’s got the MMA world buzzing like a main event walkout.He’s calling for the UFC to circle 2026 on its calendar for a potential banger between Alexander Volkanovski and Merab Dvalishvili. 'They need to book Volkanovski vs.Dvalishvili in 2026. I feel like that’s what’s going to happen,' Bisping said, and you’ve got to respect the vision.This isn't just some random hot take tossed out on a podcast; this is a calculated forecast from a guy who’s been in the trenches, who understands the game's politics and timelines better than most. Picture this: we’re talking about 'The Great' Volkanovski, the former featherweight king who, despite a couple of tough losses to the lightweight phenom Islam Makhachev, just reminded everyone why he’s an all-time great by dismantling the dangerous Diego Lopez back in April.That wasn't just a win; it was a statement that the 35-year-old Aussie powerhouse still has plenty of gas in the tank and the skills to hang with the elite. On the other side of this proposed showdown is 'The Machine' Merab Dvalishvili, a man whose nickname couldn't be more fitting.This guy is a human tornado of perpetual motion, a wrestling-centric force who just put on a five-round clinic against the always-game Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC 320. That victory wasn't just another notch on his belt; it was a declaration that Merab is the undeniable number one contender in the bantamweight division, a man on a ten-fight win streak who has effectively cleared out his own weight class, famously refusing to fight his friend and teammate, the former champion Aljamain Sterling.So why would Bisping, a savvy fight analyst, pitch a clash between a former featherweight champ and the bantamweight top contender? That’s where the real chess match begins. This isn't just about two fighters; it's about legacy, superfights, and the UFC's perpetual quest for the next massive pay-per-view draw.Volkanovski has openly discussed moving down to 135 pounds before, a cut that would be grueling but would offer him a chance to achieve champ-champ status, joining an incredibly exclusive club that includes legends like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes. For Volkanovski, a win over a relentless force like Dvalishvili at bantamweight would cement his legacy as one of the most versatile and dominant fighters of this era, silencing any remaining doubters about his place in the pantheon of MMA greats.For Merab, a fight against a legend like Volkanovski is the ultimate opportunity. Beating 'Volk' would be a career-defining moment, a victory that would instantly elevate his global star power and legitimize his reign in a way that a standard title defense might not.It’s the kind of high-risk, high-reward matchup that creates new superstars. The 2026 timeline is also pure genius from a promotional standpoint.It gives Volkanovski ample time to properly and safely make the cut down to 135 pounds, a process that cannot be rushed for a fighter in his mid-thirties. It allows Merab to potentially have a title fight or two in the interim, building his name even further before a superfight.And let's be real, the UFC loves building a narrative, and a two-year 'will they, won't they' storyline between these two incredibly likable and exciting fighters would be marketing gold. Imagine the press conferences: Volkanovski’s calculated, respectful trash talk versus Merab’s infectious, high-energy charm.It’s a promoter's dream. Stylistically, it’s a fascinating puzzle.Could Volkanovski’s crisp, powerful boxing and fight IQ neutralize Merab’s insane pace and takedown volume? Or would 'The Machine's' relentless pressure and granite chin eventually wear down the former champ? It’s a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup with a modern twist, and it has all the ingredients to be an instant Fight of the Year candidate. Bisping isn't just predicting a fight; he's forecasting a legacy-defining event, the kind of superfight that the UFC needs to keep the casual fans hooked and the hardcore fans salivating. So mark your calendars, hypothetically, for 2026, because if the UFC is smart, they’ll be listening to the Count on this one.
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CageSideRealist4 hours ago
i mean sounds cool but 2026 feels like forever away in fight time so much can go wrong tbh
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