Bisping victorious by split decision (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Bisping victorious by split decision

10:07pm Saturday 8th September 2007 in Sport By Ian Singleton, News editor

ULTIMATE Fighter Michael Bisping won his reality television grudge match in London tonight defeating Matt Hamill.

But Bisping, 28, from Clitheroe, was pushed all the way by Hamill and had a tense wait before the judges pronounced him the winner by split decision.

The former St. Augustine's RC High School pupil is now 4-0 in the American-based Ultimate Fighting Championships, where competitors battle with mixed martial arts skills inside a six-foot high steel cage.

Light-heavyweight Bisping was roared on by 20,000 patriotic fans in the O2 Arena.

But he found it tough going as Hamill, known as an excellent wrestler, sprung a surprise by standing up and exchanging punches with Bisping.

And in the first round it was Bisping who was left bloodied and bruised.

Bisping threw combinations, but Hamill defended them well and this was the pattern for the first two rounds.

In the third round, Bisping produced his best performance and a big knee near the end nearly brought victory.

There was incredible tension as the fighters waited for the judges' decision in very close bout.

It was a sweet victory for Bisping.

The pair are bitter rivals having clashed in the UFC's reality show Ultimate Fighter 3, which Bisping went on to win, securing a $1million contract.