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37 year-old UFC veteran Michael Bisping made history on Saturday night, June 4, when he became the first ever British born UFC world champion.

Headlining UFC 199 in Inglewood, California, Bisping made surprisingly easy work of long-time nemesis Luke Rockhold to capture the UFC Middleweight belt.

An incredible left hand knockout dispatched of Middleweight title holder Rockhold in the very first round. It was a feat which stunned the world, as Bisping had conquered this challenge on just two weeks notice, filling in for the injured Chris Wiedman.

Bisping has been a pillar of longevity inside the UFC ranks since winning the third season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2006. A decade later, the Brit finally realised his ‘destiny’, winning his first major championship accolade.

It wasn’t just a historical night for Bisping though, Great Britain also gained their first MMA title holder. Something which will long live in the memory of British MMA fans as the country continue to progress in their development of elite level fighters.

Speaking to The Sun’s Simon Head, Bisping spoke about his humbling British support: “It’s crazy, as I say, it’s history in the making. I’m blown away, I really am.

“The support of the UK, I feel that in my heart, I do. I know it sounds cheesy but everytime I step in there, I feel the support. Through social media, just through my interactions with everybody. I can’t put it into words, it feels so special, it truly humbles me, it really does.

“So, I feel a sense to try and fulfil and give them what they want. That’s why I’m undefeated in the UK and that’s partly why I knocked out Luke Rockhold tonight. To be the first British champion has always been a dream for me, I’ve spoke about it so many times, I’m kind of lost for words. For a man that is never lost for words, I’m kind of lost for words.”

Now, ‘The Count’ moves his attention to his first world title defence and admits, a potential headliner in his hometown of Manchester, England would be ‘an absolute dream come true’.

Bisping added: “Massively, I want to defend this belt in the UK. That is my dream, it has always been my dream.”

As for his feud with Luke Rockhold, the pair’s interaction at the UFC 199 post-fight press conference indicated that their rivalry is likely far from concluded.