Michael Bisping thinks Darren Till needs to make multiple changes after his recent skid – including a change in weight class.
Till (18-4-1 MMA, 6-4-1 UFC) currently is enduring a rough patch in his career after dropping his second straight bout, a submission loss to Derek Brunson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 191 on Saturday.
Having lost four of his past five, former UFC middleweight champion Bisping thinks Till needs to work on his ground game. Brunson was able to inflict heavy damage on Till after taking him down multiple times. He submitted him in Round 3.
“It’s another loss on his record and it’s further halting his progression to becoming champion of the world,” Bisping told BT Sport. “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.”
After dropping two straight at welterweight, including a stoppage loss in a title fight against Tyron Woodley, Till moved up to middleweight. But the native of Liverpool, England, struggled to string a title run together, going 1-2 in the division.
Having missed weight on two occasions, it’s no secret Till had a hard time making 170 pounds. But despite that, Bisping thinks “The Gorilla” needs to return to his original home.
“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.”
