In 2016, Michael Bisping experienced a second career revival. After a win against Anderson Silva, “The Count” captured middleweight gold by stopping Luke Rockhold, then defended it against Dan Henderson.
Given his current status, Bisping understandably feels he deserves to get the “biggest money-generating fight” next. One of the names that surfaced to make that happen is Georges St-Pierre, who was re-signed late last week after a lengthy negotiation with the UFC.
Currently, Yoel Romero should be the next in line to fight Bisping for the title, based on his number-one ranking at the UFC’s middleweight division. Bisping recognizes both opportunities, but is leaning towards the St-Pierre fight more.
“If they offer me the No. 1 contender, I’ll take the No. 1 contender,” Bisping said on the recent UFC Unfiltered podcast (via MMA Mania). “If they offer me GSP, listen – I will be a fool not to take it, of course I will take GSP. If they were to offer that fight, but there’s been no word about it.”
St-Pierre is coming of a three-year layoff, and if he does end up facing Bisping, it will likely take place at 185 pounds. To the current middleweight champion, St-Pierre going up in weight to face him is not exactly a smart idea.
“After three years, I think it’s a tough fight for GSP if I’m honest. Fighters know the hardest part of fighting, of course it’s the physical; but the hardest part is the mental aspect,” Bisping said. “There’s self-doubt, inner demons.”
“GSP kind of had a tough fight last time out against Johny Hendricks and spending three years away, and coming back stepping up a weight class and fighting me, I think that’s a bad idea for Georges St-Pierre. If he wants to do it then God bless.”