Michael Bisping Thinks Darren Till Should Explore Return to Welterweight
By FCF Staff
Following Darren Till’s latest setback this weekend, Michael Bisping has outlined why he believes his fellow countryman should explore returning to welterweight.
Till took on middleweight contender Derek Brunson at Saturday’s UFC Vegas 36 event, and was outwrestled and out grappled on the ground. Brunson went on to submit the noted striker with a third-round, rear-naked-choke.
The defeat was Till’s second straight and moved his record to 1-2 at middleweight. Since then, Bisping spoke with BT Sports, and the British star had this take on Till’s future (quotes via MMA Junkie).
“I think perhaps a move back down to welterweight (is what he needs),” Bisping said. “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.”
The former middleweight champ also advised that Till change up his training regiment and focus more on his wrestling and ground game.
“…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.”
The 28-year-old Till is now 1-4 in his last 5 bouts, and his overall record is 18-4-1.