Michael Bisping is known to be a fan of his fellow countryman Darren Till, and after watching him suffer his second loss in a row at middleweight he’s suggested it’s time for the Brit to make some changes.
First off, Bisping says Till should think seriously about dropping back down to welterweight.
“I think perhaps a move back down to welterweight (is what he needs),” Bisping said on BT Sport. “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.”
It certainly makes sense in some respects, although it’s also worth remembering that Till suffered some brutal weight cuts trying to get down to 170lbs, so he might be reluctant to go back to that.
Meanwhile, Bisping also recommended that Till should look to broaden his skill-set by seeking out gyms where he can work on his ground game.
“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.”
Till has a lot of respect for Bisping, even posting a photo of the former middleweight champion along with another of lightweight titleholder Charles Oliviera on Saturday night after his loss, with the suggestion being that if they had finally won a belt after having many ups and downs over the years then so can he.
