Callum Bisping knocked out in third amateur fight as McCain claims Sundown title

Callum Bisping suffered the first defeat of his fledgling MMA career on Saturday night, knocked out by John McCain in the second round of the Sundown 2 amateur catchweight championship bout in Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old, son of UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Michael Bisping, had entered the contest with a 2-0 amateur record after a promising start to life in the sport. He made his debut with a unanimous decision win in December before adding a first-round TKO finish in April.

The Sundown 2 contest proved a step too far. McCain stuffed a takedown attempt from Bisping midway through the second round, pinned him against the fence, and unleashed a flurry of punches that put Bisping on the canvas. The referee stepped in to wave off the fight and award McCain the amateur catchweight title.

Bisping came to MMA with a credible wrestling background, having competed collegiately at San Francisco State University. He chose to follow his father into combat sports last year, and his early finishes suggested genuine potential. Saturday’s stoppage loss is his first setback, but at 25 and just three fights into his amateur career, it represents a learning moment rather than a verdict on his long-term prospects.

Michael Bisping, who held the UFC middleweight championship and headlined some of the promotion’s biggest events during his career, has been open about supporting his son’s ambitions in the sport.