Bisping's legacy will live on as he announces his retirement

File photo dated 08-10-2016 of Michael Bisping. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 28, 2019. Michael Bisping, the first and so far only Briton to win a UFC title, has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after a distinguished career. See PA story UFC Bisping. Photo credit should read Pete Byrne/PA Wire.

Michael Bisping may have announced his retirement from mixed martial arts but the legacy that 'The Count' has left in the sport will live on.

After a 14-year career, which saw the former Cage Rage light heavyweight champion -become a pioneer for MMA in the UK, Bisping has made a glorious exit.

It’s difficult to ignore the outstanding impact that the 39-year-old has had both in and out of the Octagon, contributing heavily to the growth of the UFC’s reputation on these shores while, fittingly, becoming the first British athlete to be crowned a champion with the organisation.

Call him controversial, out-spoken or brash, love him, hate him or feel indifferently about him, Bisping has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most successful fighters in history, renowned and revered for his unquenchable thirst to succeed, particularly when faced with adversity.

In his quest to become the best on the planet at middleweight, Bisping suffered many knock downs, set backs and dead ends. Admirably, those stumbling blocks only made him stronger and more determined.

After watching the film ‘Journeyman’ on a plane, a portrayal of an ageing prizefighter which ultimately influenced his decision, Bisping said: “I was watching this movie last night and I just thought, it ain’t worth it.

“I mean, what else am I going to do? I’ve won the belt, I’ve had tons of wins, I’ve done everything that I set out to achieve. What’s the point in flogging a dead horse?