Bisping-Schafer Back On for UFC 66

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By Thomas Gerbasi

Michael Bisping, winner of the light heavyweight division of The Ultimate Fighter’s third season, will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon on Saturday, December 30th, when he faces Eric Schafer in a featured bout on the UFC 66 card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Liverpool, England’s Bisping – who defeated Josh Haynes for the TUF3 title - was originally scheduled to face Schafer on the TUF 4 finale card on November 11th, but VISA issues prevented the fight from taking place. ‘The Count’ will be in Vegas on December 30th though.

“I am eager to return and fight in my new home now, the UFC,” said Bisping, unbeaten in mixed martial arts at 12-0. “I am training hard and preparing for this fight with Eric, I respect him a lot as a fighter and to date he has a good reputation. I expect Eric to want a ground game and although I am known as a striker, I still train Jiu-Jitsu heavily. The American fans have made me one of their own and on the night I hope to deliver an exciting fight. Good luck Eric, but they didn’t crown me the Ultimate Fighter for nothing.”

Schafer (9-1-2) made an impressive UFC debut in August, submitting Rob MacDonald in just 2:26 of the first round. A native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, ‘Ravishing Red’ is a submission specialist who despite his deadly ground game, can still find time for a little bit of humor.

“Bisping is a badass who, like me, goes for the finish,” said Schafer. “Hopefully we can submit or knockout each other in the first round so we can go grab a beer.”

For tickets to UFC 66 - which is headlined by the long awaited rematch between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz - click HERE.

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