Bisping on his next fight: “I want to destroy Dan Henderson.”

LOS ANGELES – UFC TONIGHT host Kenny Florian and guest host Michael Bisping preview UFC FIGHT NIGHT: MACDONALD VS. THOMPSON and catch up with Rory MacDonald and Stephen Thompson before their fights. Karyn Bryant adds reports.

UFC TONIGHT guest host Michael Bisping on who he wants to fight in his first title defense: “With Chris Weidman, he’s coming off a loss. I believe he should rematch with Luke, and the winner gets shot at the belt. Jacare is phenomenal, but there’s a long list. I want to get revenge on Dan Henderson before he retires. I want to destroy Dan Henderson. I want to put him in his grave and get revenge for UFC 100.”

VIDEO: Michael Bisping on becoming middleweight champion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgDjwRIeeHI

UFC TONIGHT host Kenny Florian on Stephen Thompson vs. Rory MacDonald: “Thompson is the most dynamic striker in the UFC right now. His timing and speed are so good. He’s fearless in the Octagon. He throws wheel kicks and other crazy kicks. He’s unbelievable to watch. But Rory is the new breed of fighter. At the age of 16 he knew he wanted to be a mixed martial artist and look at him now at 26, to have career that he’s had. The war he had with Lawler – you said it was one of the greatest fights in the UFC and to me it was the greatest title fight in the UFC.”

Bisping on Thompson and MacDonald: “High flying is the term I’d use for Thompson. His kicks fly high. He’s on a six-fight win streak with incredible finishes. He finished Johnny Hendricks and sent Robert Whittaker up to 185. The guy is on fire and he has a very bright future. But the higher you go in the rankings, the tougher it gets. MacDonald is complete package and the new GSP from his gym.”

Florian on MacDonald’s keys to victory: “Rory needs to use his boxing range and be in boxing range the whole time. He needs to cut off the Octagon. And he needs to land the takedown and get on top of Thompson where he’ll have a huge advantage.”

Bisping on Thompson’s keys to victory: “Thompson needs to use the footwork. He’s the American style kickboxer, stay light on his feet and maintain the striking range. He needs to utilize the kicks, the round houses and hook kicks. And he needs to avoid the takedown. There’s no point being on the floor if you have all those kicks.”

VIDEO: StrikeZone & Predictions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAffgX5wOPk

Rory MacDonald on how he’s stayed busy since his last fight almost a year ago: “I’ve been enjoying my training, I’ve been motivated to do it and it’s a lot of fun. Also I have a baby daughter on the way in July.”

MacDonald on how he trained for Thompson’s style: “I brought in Raymond Daniels and learned a lot from him. We sharpened up a few things which should be very effective in this fight.”

MacDonald on if he’ll use the clinch to slow Thompson down: “Absolutely. That’s a key factor in the standup fighting. If I can clinch up at all, that’s in my favor.”
MacDonald on how long it took to recover from the Lawler war: “I was back to normal in five days besides my nose being broken for a while. I was training the next week. It was a very hard emotional fight with ups and downs in it. It affected by personality a little, but everything was for the best. That fight made me a stronger fighter and stronger person.”

MacDonald on if he’s feeling distractions before this fight: “I don’t think I’ve felt this focused in a long time. I feel happy doing it. Those factors will make me shine on Saturday night.”

MacDonald on calling for the title shot if he wins: “Absolutely, if I end up staying with the UFC and I have a successful fight. I’ll definitely have something to say about that.”

VIDEO: Interview: MacDonald

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCiK4q2NfzM

Stephen Thompson on MacDonald: “He’s the best well rounded fighter that I’ve faced. He’s got great standup, He’s got good wrestling and phenomenal jiu-jitsu. He’s the number one contender for a reason. I’ve got good guys in my camp and we’ve got a good game plan going out there to keep it standing and keep it where I feel most comfortable – on my feet.”

Thompson on if he was disappointed he has to fight MacDonald instead of getting the title fight: “I was little disappointed I have to fight one more time after defeating Hendricks. Sometimes you have to fight one more time to prove it to the fans and the UFC. He’s a buddy of mine and we’re going to punch each other in the face on Saturday.”

Thompson on if his unique fighting style is catching on in the UFC: “Yes. You’re starting to see more people using my style – the karate style. Lyoto Machida did it first. There’s not a lot of guys who have that style, switching sides, the different kicks coming from different angles, the hook kicks, spin kicks, the blitzing in and counter-attacking. It’s a little different. It’s hard to prepare for. I know Rory has brought in some guys to train with, but it’s not the same when you’re standing across from someone like myself.”

Thompson on who will win between Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley: “I’m thinking Lawler. He’s stayed active. He’s the type of guy, when rounds go on, he gets stronger. Talk about a war in his last fight. He just gets stronger and stronger. Tyron Woodley, it’s been a while since he’s fought, and he goes the other way. As fight goes on, he slows down. I’m going with Lawler.”

Thompson on the last time he was upset: “After my loss against Matt Brown. It happened for a reason. I learned a lot and I wouldn’t be the fighter I am without it. Luckily I’ve got a good family and team around me who keep me focused on my goals.”

VIDEO: Interview: Thompson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QSx5O_bww

For notes, coverage, bios, photography and more, visit the FOX UFC page on FOX Sports Press Pass.

UFC TONIGHT

UFC TONIGHT is the official weekly news and information show of the Ultimate Fighting Championship on FS1. Veteran UFC fighter and multiple title contender Kenny Florian, light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and veteran combat sports journalist Karyn Bryant bring you all the news and analysis.