TUF 14 Finale: Breaking Down Michael Bisping vs. Mayhem Miller

One of the best seasons in recent TUF history comes to a close tomorrow night in Las Vegas, Nevada where a bantamweight and featherweight season winner will be determined. After these men are given the glass plaque, six figure contract and accolades for the accomplishment, the real finale happens – Michael Bisping (21-3) vs. Jason Miller (24-7). Throughout the season, they got under each others skin and antagonized themselves with pranks, shouting and almost coming to blows, all while displaying a true passion and talent for coaching the men on their teams.

Let’s take a look and see how the men stack up against each other in their fight.

Punching Power: Advantage Bisping

Bisping has the better hands on paper and has won thirteen of his fights by way of KO/ TKO. Knowing that he can win this fight on the feet, he needs to stay on the outside and set up jabs and combos, which could lead up to the opening for a flurry finish or one punch knockout.

Miller is a better well-rounded fighter and is no slouch with his hands but will need to respect the right hand of his opponent and take his time. Possessing six KO wins on his resume, he is able to get the job done and knows where to hit Bisping, courtesy of Dan Henderson.

Wrestling: Even

These men know how to work the fight to the ground and implement a submission/ grappling match once there. The slight advantage would have to go to Bisping if there is one, only for being the naturally bigger fighter and he may use this size advantage to muscle the fight against the cage and work the clinch. Miller knows what to do and how to stay relaxed in any situation, if the chance arrives, he can get the fight to the ground and set up his submission skills to be showcased.

Jiu-Jitsu: Advantage Miller

Miller is the decisive fighter in this scenario, due in part to his fourteen submission victories and ability to stay calm and secure the hold. During his championship bout for the Strikeforce middleweight title with Jake Shields, Miller was able to secure numerous holds on Shields (one of the most regarded jiu-jitsu players in MMA) and almost got the win with a rear naked choke before the clock ran out. Once he is able to get this to the ground, he can submit Bisping either on top or from his back.

The Wolfslair fighter has some submission wins on his record and is knowledgeable to get an opponent to tap. However, he has never been faced with an opponent with such a decorated jiu-jitsu background as Miller. He will need to look past the antics and goofiness he feels Miller brings to the cage and respect what the fighter across from him can do to win the fight and send him across the pond with a loss.

Mentality: Advantage Miller

Miller may appear to be crazy and carefree about his position in MMA but it is a gimmick and his persona, not the way he feels about what he does. Watching the show, any fan can see he cares about the sport, his team, coaches and all involved. Not scared of any opponent and accepting of the outcome, plus more professional experience – the mental game is his strong point with his physical abilities to support.

The winner of TUF season three has accomplishment what nobody can take away but observing him from the house to the fight tomorrow, he is easy to infuriate and loses focus. Jorge Rivera did this best leading into their fight and the anger was visible in the opening moments of the round; Bisping was stiff and throwing strong punches looking for a highlight reel finish, instead of being loose and following a game plan. If you beat a man mentally, you can beat him physically.

Whoever ends the night with their arm raised is one step closer to a title shot, should it be immediate? NO. Bisping is not ready for Anderson Silva despite what he thinks and Mayhem would need another fight to get ready for the spider’s web. A smart fight for the winner would be Chael Sonnen or Mark Munoz – two powerful wrestlers with their own strengths that match up well with both men in tomorrow night’s finale.

Tags: Jason Miller, Mayhem Miller, Michael Bisping, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, TUF 14, TUF 14 Finale, UFC, Ultimate Fighter

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