Michael Bisping's coach says that 'The Count' has the speed to beat Anderson Silva
Former pro boxer and trainer to champions Jason Parillo is one of the best coaching minds in all of combat sports. This week he's in London to corner his fighter Michael Bisping in his main event contest against former middleweight champion Anderson Silva. The fight is one Bisping has wanted for years, and now that he's finally got it, Parillo says "The Count" is more focused, motivated and relaxed than ever before.
Read on for Parillo's exclusive take on the Silva vs. Bisping UFC Fight Pass headlining bout. Then, stay with us all week for complete coverage of the card.
The Spider's web
"Obviously, everybody knows he is one of the best in the business. He's Anderson Goddamn Silva. He's technically-sound, everywhere.
He doesn't have the biggest power in the world, but he knocks guys out because of his timing. He's got some of the best timing, ever, and he's got real good movement to set up his shots. His accuracy also helps create power.
Silva is a dangerous guy, in large part, because he's a game-day player. He's not the same guy in training as he is when he's under those lights. That's a big strength."
Bisping's underrated speed
"At the same time, Anderson has been in there with a lot of bigger guys, who are more lumbering. They don't have the same ability on their feet as Mike does.
Mike is able to get in and out, smoothly, and is one of the quickest middleweights there is. He could compete with lightweights in terms of speed. That is something that is overlooked a lot with Mike.
He plans to utilize that all-around speed and stay ahead of Silva. Everyone Mike has beaten it is because he's gotten out ahead of and stayed ahead of them."
The confidence game
"Mike always carries himself with a lot of confidence. He always believes in himself. It is cliché and every coach says this every time but this is the best Mike has ever looked since I've worked with him. He isn't just physically ready, but he's ready in the mental aspect as well.
He really believes in himself, and that he can outwork Anderson. Mike believes he can weather anything Anderson gives him and knows that he'll stay ahead.
Mike gets some backlash from people that he's lost some big fights. He's also won lots of big fights, but he's focused on this fight like a champion gets focused. He's really going into this fight to make some noise and prove that he deserves a shot at the title.
I'd yet to see his confidence like this, before. Not only is he confident, Mike is also relaxed.
People tend to think that he needs to hyped up, jacked up, tense, and aggressive, to win. Yeah, we do want him aggressive out there, and fighting to win. But as his training has improved, and his confidence grown, he's also become a lot more relaxed."
Experience & growth
"Michael Bisping has seen a lot, over the years. He's not loading up as much on his shots, anymore, and he's setting things up much better. He puts his whole MMA game together, better - striking, wrestling, grappling.
I've seen some great gains, with Mike. His attitude in camp has been amazing. He isn't just coming to win, he's coming to finish the fight."
