The 32-year-old's year has seen him move from his home base of Manchester to California, film and promote The Ultimate Fighter show and undergoing two training camps and two bouts, concluding his year with victory over Jason Miller.

However, only a week passed following his win over Miller in December before Bisping received a call from UFC chief Dana White with the offer of a showdown with Demian Maia.

Bisping showed his true British grit by accepting the bout and admits there was no reason for him to decline the opportunity.

"This is what I do," he told UFC.com. "I'm a fighter, this is how I make my money, and I like to be active.

Fighter

"I lost the weight, I was back in shape, I had a good performance against Miller and no injuries, and of course, when Dana White comes to you and asks you to fight, who am I to say no?"

Despite the short notice, Bisping understands that if he is going to become the UFC middleweight champion then he has to take the opportunities when they arise.

"Obviously there's always a risk," he added. "But if I'm going go out and be champion, I need to be able to beat these guys.

"If I can't beat them, sitting on the sideline and twiddling my thumbs certainly isn't going help me beat them. This is what I do, and let's see what happens."

Bisping is set to face the American Sonnen in Chicago in an eliminator bout which will see the victor take on UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

Title

However, the 'Count' recognises that he must first get past Sonnen before he can move onto the final stage of his championship conquest.

"There's no doubt about it, he's a tough opponent, has great wrestling, and he's a grinder," he said.

"But he's got no submission defence, and Chael Sonnen's best weapon is his mouth, and that's something that's going to be absolutely useless in this fight.

"The title shot is right there, and it's there for the taking. All I've got to do is reach out and take it.

"But to do that, I've got to beat Chael Sonnen. I've had a week's notice, it's not perfect, but I am who I am, and I'm a fighter."