Michael Bisping (23-4) thinks that a win over Vitor Belfort (21-10) will finally put him in place for a shot at the middleweight championship.

"If I beat Vitor Belfort, I think there's no question that I'm the No. 1 contender," said Bisping on The MMA Hour. "And I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is. I think I deserve it. If I beat Vitor, I deserve it. If I don't beat him, then I don't deserve to be in a title fight anyway."

Bisping has been vocal as of late for never being granted a title shot. After winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2006, Bisping would win another three fights before tasting his first UFC loss. Following this loss he dropped down to a middleweight. His overall UFC record is 13-4.

At the start of the year, Bisping lost in a title eliminator fight snapping his four fight win streak. Belfort enters the fight after losing in late September to Jon Jones (17-1) for the light heavyweight championship.

"In my opinion, the hardest fight in the 185 [pound] division, other than Anderson Silva, is Vitor Belfort," said Bisping.

Bisping vs. Belfort are slated to headline the UFC's return to Brazil on January 19. They will compete at UFC on FX 7.

Related Content

• Michael Bisping: If Anderson Silva Wants Time Off, Make Interim Title
• Ratings Hold Strong For Latest Episode Of The Ultimate Fighter
• UFC Goes With Alan Belcher-Yushin Okami For Final UFC 155 Main Card Bout
• Tyrone Spong Grades His MMA Debut From The WSOF
• Date Announced For Bellator Season 7 Featherweight Finals
• UFC 157 Targeted For February 23, Anaheim, California
• Jorge Masvidal: Strikeforce Lacks Communication
• Anderson Silva: No Plans To Enter Octagon, Challenge GSP At UFC 154

Get more great MMA news and analysis over at Fightline.

undefined