Morning Report: Michael Bisping interested in ‘retirement fight’ being at UFC Liverpool

Thursday, March 29, 2018 - 15:00


Michael Bisping has an event in mind for his farewell bout.

The former UFC middleweight champion said Wednesday on his “Believe You Me” podcast that he’d like to finish up his decorated career in his home country — at UFC Liverpool on May 27.

“UFC, I’m available,” Bisping said. “If you want me on that card, you got my number. … That’s a nice retirement fight. Liverpool. Northwest of England. That’s where I’m from.”

Bisping, 39, has been talking retirement since losing twice by finish back in November. Georges St-Pierre won the middleweight title from him at UFC 217 via third-round submission. Then, three weeks later, Kelvin Gastelum knocked Bisping out in the first round at UFC Fight Night: Shanghai.

Initially, there was talk that Bisping might finish out his career at UFC London earlier this month. But negotiations between him and the UFC broke down. If Bisping were to get a bout at UFC Liverpool, “The Count” said he would then hang up the gloves.

“I’m interested in fighting on that card,” Bisping said. “We’ll see. We’ll see what the UFC comes up with. But yeah, I’m definitely interested. For sure. That would be my last fight and then I can bugger off.”

When asked about a possible opponent, Bisping (30-9) said he wasn’t that interested in completing a trilogy vs. Luke Rockhold, which was a hot topic not too long ago. He also doesn’t want to face Vitor Belfort. Bisping said he gave the UFC a list of possibilities and he’s waiting to hear back.

“I spoke to the UFC already, I’m playing a little game here,” Bisping said. “I said to the UFC, ‘Throw some names my way.’ We’ll see. So we’ll see what they come back with.”

MUST-READ STORIES

Chaos. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson exchange heated remarks during chaotic UFC 223 conference call

Getting “Rowdy”. Ronda Rousey: There came a point when I was ‘just looking for an honorable way out’ of MMA

Blame the boss. Kamaru Usman blames Dana White for misconstruing “30 percent” comment

Surprise, surprise. Cub Swanson was “baffled” that Brian Ortega knocked out Frankie Edgar

VIDEO STEW

Chat Wrappers.

UFC 223 media conference call.

Stephan Bonnar in a pro-wrestling match.

Fedor dismissing concerns over him getting KOed a bunch lately.

LISTEN UP

Believe You Me. Bisping talks the possible Colby Covington vs. Rafael dos Anjos interim title match, the crazy flipping DQ from LFA and more.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Important distinction.

Sheesh.

Crunching numbers.

Get well soon.

Last week the world renowned Doctor Nathan Newman (@drnathannewman) was using my own stem cells, extracted from the bone-marrow from a bone in my hip, and injected into my knees by Doctor Nikravesh. That machine where I have my hand in is called "Avacen" (@avacenmedical ), really cool device, it heats up the palm of your hand, that heats up your blood, than the body tries to cool it down and the effect that comes from is "anti-inflammatory"and helps a lot, feel good, body wise as well. I am doing that machine twice a day, now lets hope my knees are going to feel better! Thanks Doc!!

A post shared by Bas Rutten (@basruttenmma) on Mar 28, 2018 at 6:14pm PDT

They grow up too fast.

What a fight.

Damn.

Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. at over twice the size of Texas the next biggest state, but also the least densely populated state and one of the most sparsely populated areas in the world, at 1.2 inhabitants per square mile. Yet you can still get a show like this in your front yard even if you live in the burbs! #wild #moose #moosecall #alaskamade #home #Repost @iflfighting ・・・ ALASKAN SHOW DOWN!! Two bulls take the neighborhood streets in a battle of supremacy ・ ・ ・ #showdown #males #battle #supremacy #bulls #moose #alphamale #crazy #alaska #fight #animalfights #wrestling #antlers #ufc #mma #streetfight #battle #brawl #animalkingdom #mothernature #alaskalife

A post shared by Justin Buchholz (@justinbuchholz_) on Mar 28, 2018 at 3:40pm PDT

Don’t call it a comeback.

Shredded already.

122.5 lbs “If you want something done right... You have to do it yourself” #joannajedrzejczyk #JJ #AndTheReal #UFC223 #inshape #onweight #fit #helathy #strong #morethenready #doityourself #reebokpl #diet

A post shared by Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannajedrzejczyk) on Mar 28, 2018 at 7:46am PDT

Hmm.

Team Khabib.

Head coach @americankickboxingacademy @akajav tells a funny story about @khabib_nurmagomedov when he first came to the gym to train at AKA. #khabibtime #champion #Dagestan #Russia #Sambo #Wrestling #AKA #UFC #Fighter #Brooklyn #NYC #NY #barclayscenter #ufc223 #MMA

A post shared by Josh Thomson (@therealpunk) on Mar 28, 2018 at 7:29am PDT

T-Wood & The Assassin Baby.

Thanks @twooodley for the little Training and awesome advice's i really apreciate #rdxmx #rdxsports #KarlasKombucha #CatorceBrand #TheBarberShopMexico #RenzoGracieChihuahua #PaseroAbogados #YosoyBodyCore #EntramGym #TotalGym #TeamAssassinBaby !!

A post shared by Brandon Moreno (@theassassinbaby) on Mar 28, 2018 at 4:08pm PDT

Questions.

Hello, Chile.

UFC Chile 19 De Mayo #watchmework #nigeriannightmare #tuf21champ #strapseason #boogiemanofthedivison

A post shared by Kamaru Usman (@usman84kg) on Mar 28, 2018 at 10:20am PDT

Creative?

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Neil Magny (20-6) vs. Gunnar Nelson (16-3-1); UFC Liverpool, May 27.

TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2008: Cung Le became the Strikeforce middleweight champion by stopping Frank Shamrock at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Le. In the co-main event that evening, Gilbert Melendez successfully defended his lightweight title, stopping Gabe Lemley with punches in the second round.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Jed Meshew took the Morning Report off Wednesday night due to personal matters. He will be back tomorrow.

EXIT POLL

If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.

Source: 
https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/3/29/17172218/morning-report-michael-bisping-interested-in-retirement-fight-being-at-ufc-liverpool