UFC legend Michael Bisping believes he could’ve beaten Israel Adesanya during the prime of his career.

The mixed martial arts journey of Michael Bisping is one that’ll be told and retold for many, many years to come. ‘The Count’ came through the regional scene before making a big splash on The Ultimate Fighter, eventually leading him down the path of an incredible run at both light heavyweight and middleweight in the UFC.

Then, in what was supposed to be the twilight of his career, the veteran managed to knock Luke Rockhold out and become the new UFC middleweight champion.

His trash talk may have rubbed some people the wrong way but when you take a look at his career as a whole, there’s no way of denying that this man has earned his place in the UFC Hall of Fame.

The current king at 185 pounds is Israel Adesanya and during a recent episode of his live chat, Bisping was posed with the question that all former champs get: does he think he could’ve beaten ‘The Last Stylebender’?

“I do, I do, but I always say I shouldn’t say that because it’s disrespectful. It’s easy for me to sit here, next to you, and discredit him, he’s an amazing champ.

“I think I could’ve done [beaten him], yeah. Because that’s what fighters are supposed to [think]. We’re programmed to think like that.

“When s*** hits the fan I’ll take on all comers - it probably wouldn’t go well!”

What’s next for Adesanya?

Israel Adesanya has been the man to beat at middleweight for three years now and next weekend at UFC 276, he’ll attempt to add another name to his list of victims as he defends the crown against Jared Cannonier.

The challenger has earned his right to contend for the gold but even with his impressive run of form, Adesanya is listed as the clear favourite to leave Las Vegas with the belt still wrapped around his waist.

Bisping, meanwhile, continues to thrive as a successful analyst following his own legendary career as a pioneer of MMA in the UK.