UFC middleweight champ Bisping pledges to 'knock Dan Henderson out'

The Clitheroe-born fighter suffered a second-round knockout to the Californian seven years ago in Las Vegas - a moment he has played down as just an off-day - but he maintains the belief that he was a better fighter then and remains so now.

"He beat me last time, and good for him. It was a bad night at the office for me and a good day at work for him, and that's the way it goes. This time I'm not over-trained, I was over-trained massively in that first fight. This time I'm feeling good. Don't worry about me - worry about Dan Henderson.

"It could be a head kick, it could be a right hook, it could be a 'Left-hook Larry' once again, but I'll take a win any way it comes.

"But make no mistake I'm looking to finish this guy, simple as that. These guys don't want to see me going out there and outpointing him. I want to punish this guy. He knocked me out and gave me another dig - good for him - but I'm going to knock him out and then help him off the canvas because that's the kind of guy I am."

In a question-and-answer session after Wednesday evening's media workout, Bisping insisted his only motivation in UFC was winning the next fight, but he did allow himself to look back with pride at the achievement of becoming the UFC's first British-born champion by beating Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in June.

"I always wanted to be UFC champion and I never stopped trying," the 37-year-old said. "I lost some number-one contender match-ups but I dusted myself off and got back on it, and here we are today as world champion.

"There were times along the way when I never thought it would happen. I was happy because I was still in a sport that I love and still taking care of my family, but I still wanted to be world champion and, with a bit of luck, I got there.

"England has the best fighting talent in the world and it was only a matter of time before we had a world champion, whether it was me or someone else it was always going to happen.

"My first fight was in a little sports hall for nothing - it was free. It was supposed to be a professional fight but I didn't get paid. I think about everything I've been through and that journey brought me here. If I can make it this far then I can go out there and I can win again."

Bisping has reached the summit of his career as opponent Henderson is about to call time on his own. After 46 professional MMA bouts, he has promised to retire after facing Bisping, and says even taking the belt will not change his mind.

"Winning would just be an ideal way of retiring with the belt. I couldn't think of a better way to finish my career other than that one," he said.

"I'm ready mentally to start a new chapter, but want to still be involved in MMA and go to fights and watch from outside the octagon. I'm ready to retire, win or lose. I do feel I could go another two or three years but I'm ready to spend a little more time with my family and kids. Isn't 20 years of my ugly face in the octagon enough?"

Thoughts of retirement have clearly not dulled Henderson's desire for this match-up, which will take place in a sold-out Manchester Arena. Despite matches not starting until 2330, the venue sold out in just over six minutes when tickets were released, and the 46-year-old American believes he is more than capable of victory.

"I think I'm going to win," he said. "Hopefully I can land a big H-bomb, but I'm looking to win every round and make sure I punish him along the way and the judges will see it my way if it goes to the decision. The best ending would be similar to the last fight.

"I think it was Michael's destiny to win that belt so he can give it to me. He might not be awake when he gives it to me, but he's going to give it to me."