Three victories followed this setback, Dan Miller and Yoshihiro Akiyama both falling to points
decisions and then Jorge Rivera, who Bisping had got caught up with in an acrimonious war of
words, was beaten by way of TKO but such was the genuine dislike that Bisping was fined for
comments made after the match. That said, the controversy made him a hot property with fellow
fighters and some pretty big names came forward with challenges after the Rivera debacle. He
returned as coach for TUF 14 and once again beat his opposite number, this time Jason Miller
by 3rd round TKO. This led to another title eliminator opportunity, this time against another
star name, Chael Sonnen but it was another case of so near so far as Sonnen won by unanimous
decision.
After time out through injury 2012 saw Bisping face and bear Brian Stann at UFC 52 before he
faced former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort, known as an explosive striker. It
was another potentially career-defining moment with another potentia ]H