Michael Bisping praises 'legend of the sport' Dan Henderson after successful title defence at UFC 204

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Michael Bisping was heavy in his praise for veteran fighter Dan Henderson and the Manchester crowd after successfully defending his middleweight title at UFC 204.

The 37-year-old famously lost to Henderson at UFC 100 seven years ago, but made no mistake this time with a convincing win following a unanimous decision.

After the fight, Bisping was delighted with his own performance, but said that the energy and commitment shown by the fans got him through some tough situations. 

Michael Bisping roars after retaining his middleweight title with victory over Dan Henderson

Bisping had to ensure he kept the belt on what was his first defence of the title he won in June

American veteran Henderson took to the microphone to confirm his retirement from the sport

'Dan Henderson hits hard and he opened up a couple of big cuts on my face. But I feel completely fine, I remember everything about the fight,' he said. 

'The crowd were amazing. I could hear the energy from the fans throughout the entire event.

'I want to thank them all for showing so much energy, it was incredible. I really felt that.'

Bisping also took time to congratulate Henderson on a fantastic career, after the 46-year-old chose to announce his retirement from the sport.

'Big respect to Dan Henderson. He's a legend of the sport and I want to say well done to him. 

'It's amazing what he's achieved in this sport and to be able to fight at this level, and bring it like that, at his age – I just have massive respect for him. 

'Now I look forward to the next one. I've still got the belt, I'm still the champion and I'm very happy. It was close but it's never easy. 

'If it was easy, everybody would do it. Until the next time. God bless England.' 

Bisping and Henderson share a fierce rivalry in the octagon and traded hard blows throughout 

Henderson looked strong early on and even had Bisping down twice with two heavy punches

Bisping was caught by a number of right hands from Henderson and his face was heavily cut

The 46-year-old received a standing ovation from the crowd after announcing his retirement

Clearly disheartened by the defeat, Henderson spoke after about his performance, ruing the decision of the judges but made sure to reflect on a successful career. 

'I feel like I performed well. I may have gotten a little bit tired, perhaps I could have been a little bit busier throughout. 

'But I made sure I really went after him in that fifth round and I felt like I got a takedown and I scored enough to win that round. I felt like he didn't really hurt me at all, with anything. 

'It's just unfortunate that the judges didn't see it my way. Overall, I'm very satisfied with what I've achieved in my career. I know I have accomplished a lot'.