Thursday 9 June 2016 13:54, UK
Michael Bisping has insisted that his historic UFC championship win was the easiest fight of his 10-year stretch.
The Lancashire veteran waited 26 fights over a decade before being handed a first middleweight title shot on 17 days' notice, but capitalised by knocking out Luke Rockhold.
His 19 wins with the organisation equal Georges St-Pierre's all-time record yet Britain's first champion insists his greatest achievement came easily.
Luke has a habit of dropping his right hand when he throws punches, and he has his chin high up in the air. The plan was to throw the left hook
Asked if Rockhold ever hurt him, Bisping exclusively told Sky Sports: "Not a single shot. He didn't catch me flush in the face at all. It was literally the easiest UFC fight of my life.
"I remember everything. It was short-lived and I didn't get caught with any punches whatsoever so the memories are crystal clear.
"I was able to read his movements, I read his punches before they even left. I was swinging excellent counters and I knew my left hook would land.
"That was the entire plan - Luke has a habit of dropping his right hand when he throws punches, and he has his chin high up in the air. The plan was to throw the left hook and when it landed I thought 'wow'."
Bisping has already confirmed to Sky Sports that Rockhold - who originally beat him two years ago - is not under consideration for a mooted title defence in Britain.
Their war of words shows no sign of slowing, with the verbals continuing to fly in the immediate aftermath of Bisping's win.
"If he had been more respectful I would have been more inclined [to fight him again] but he didn't help his cause," Bisping said.
"I shook his hand in the Octagon and, when I went back to thank him again, he said 'we've already shaken hands'.
"He was being a sore loser, being negative and basically insulting me at the press conference.
"He wouldn't stop berating me, saying he would come back and do this, do that. When we were in the same position two years ago, when he beat me, I shook his hand and said congratulations. That took a lot for me to do that. But he was discrediting me.
"Luke and I have been rivals for a while but I have nothing against the guy, I have no ill will. I wish him the best."
