When Michael Bisping faces Luke Rockhold in the UFC 199 headliner on Saturday, it will have been nearly a decade since “The Count” made his Octagon debut at “The Ultimate Fighter 3” finale.
During that time, Bisping has emerged as one of the most recognizable figures within the Las Vegas-based promotion, an oft-loathed figure for his perceived villain persona by fans and a popular call-out target for fighters looking to propel themselves to a more prominent status in the sport. Through the years, a title shot always seemed to be just out of reach.