Is former UFC champion Michael Bisping an actor? Here are the movies and TV shows ‘The Count’ has featured in
Michael Bisping is best known for his appearances in the UFC octagon, or behind the mic, commentating and covering the promotion's biggest events. 'The Count' also held the middleweight title and reached the pinnacle of the sport.
As Bisping rose to fame in the octagon, he began getting involved with films. He shot to superstardom when he became the first British fighter to capture UFC gold after knocking out Luke Rockhold at UFC 199.
Bisping made the most of his popularity when he landed a role in 'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage,' starring Vin Diesel and a multinational cast of superstars. Before that, Bisping made small appearances in 'Beatdown' (2010), 'Plastic' (2014) and 'The Anomaly' (2014). He also debuted on television, landing roles in episodes of both 'Hollyoaks Later' (2010) and 'Strike Back' (2015)
Check out this interview Bisping did with MMAJunkie on xXx:
Currently, Bisping's IMDb page states that he is set to play roles in 'Red Sonja', 'The Journeyman' and 'Fight Another Day.'
Michael Bisping was called to fight for UFC title when he was filming for xXx
Michael Bisping appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast (JRE) and spoke about how his title opportunity vs Luke Rockhold came about. Chris Weidman had pulled out of the fight when Bisping was on set, and he told UFC Boss Dana White that he was ready to step in if needed. White told Michael Bisping that Ronaldo 'Jacaré' Souza was their first preference.
So, Bisping thought the shot was going to go to Jacaré:
"I was this close to getting a title shot, but I thought there's no way Jacaré was going to turn it down. Then, I went over to my buddy Jason's house. We watched the basketball game and had a few drinks...not party as such as I was on set the next day, but we had a few drinks." (0:44)
Michael Bisping was not in camp, so he said he was "definitely indulging." He goes on to say:
"The next day I walk in to the gym for a light workout, and my phone starts exploding...I'm like what the hell? Ariel Helwani calls me and says to me Mike, Dana White just announced on Sportscenter that you're fighting for the belt. I was like what the fuck? That's the first i'm hearing about it." (1:20)
Watch as Bisping speaks on how his title shot came about: