Michael Bisping knows a thing or two about coming back from adversity, particularly in the Octagon. He took to the airwaves to deliver some advice to fellow Englishman Darren Till following Till’s one-sided loss to Derek Brunson this weekend.
Bisping told BT Sport that, although this loss presents a massive setback in Till’s plans to conquer the world, he can still improve as an athlete. In particular, Darren Till needs to address the holes in his ground game that Brunson was so easily able to exploit.
Michael Bisping Explains Where Darren Till Went Wrong Against Derek Brunson
“It’s another loss on his record and it’s further halting his progression to becoming champion of the world. But what I will say is this in terms of encouragement.
He’s only 28 years old. I had many ups and downs throughout my career and maybe some tweaks. I’m not suggesting he leaves Team Kaobon, but maybe go somewhere where they have a heavier influence on wrestling, certainly on jiu-jitsu as well.
With absolute respect, the ground game could have been a little better tonight. No shame in the takedowns. Derek Brunson is a strong wrestler. He’s built his entire career on that. But I thought when it hit the ground, (Till) could have done some things a little better.”
Darren Till’s move up to middleweight came after two straight losses at welterweight. One of these was a failed title charge against Tyron Woodley, who has since retired. However, the welterweight division is, if anything, more competitive than it was when Till was fighting at 170 pounds.
With Kamaru Usman at the top of the division, and the likes of Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, and Colby Covington aggressively chasing their title shots, Darren Till would have to seriously address his own shortcomings to have a shot at the title. This is particularly apparent considering the dominant wrestling-based style deployed by the welterweight champion.
However, Till’s long, lean physique may be proving inadequately strong for the middleweight division, at least according to Michael Bisping. Till now has two losses to just one win at middleweight, albeit against two of the division’s finest in Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson.
“I think perhaps a move back down to welterweight [is what he needs]. When you look at Derek Brunson compared to him, Derek Brunson is a much bigger guy. I’m not talking height-wise. Height-wise, they’re very similar.
But when you look at the frame – and with the frame and with that muscle, comes a lot of strength – certainly when you’re fighting guys like Derek Brunson when their whole M.O. is to take you down.
Of course, technique comes into play. But a lot of what comes into play is strength. Once you get into these clinch positions, it comes down to power, and Derek kind of outmuscled him in those situations, as well.”
Do you think Darren Till should move back to 170 pounds, or should he stay at middleweight and try to bulk up? Let us know in the comments.
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