Now that UFC London is in the books, Michael Bisping has targeted another event in his home country for a potential farewell fight.
On his “Believe You Me” podcast, the former middleweight champion said he’d be interested in competing at UFC Fight Night 130, which takes place in Liverpool, England, on May 27.
“This is a ‘Believe You Me’ exclusive,” Bisping said on the his podcast. “UFC, I’m available. If you want me on that card, you’ve got my number.”
“The Count” hasn’t competed since being finished by Georges St. Pierre and Kelvin Gastelum during a three-week span this past November. Bisping relinquished the 185-pound belt to St. Pierre in a third-round submission loss at UFC 217, and then stepped in to face Gastelum on short notice at UFC Fight Night 125, where he fell via first-round knockout. He then targeted UFC Fight Night 127 in London for a retirement bout before eventually withdrawing from consideration for the event.
UFC Fight Night 130 takes place at the Echo Arena and is expected to be headlined by a welterweight duel between Darren Till and Stephen Thompson. Another 170-pound clash pitting Gunnar Nelson against Neil Magny was recently announced for the co-main event. Bisping could see himself fitting in well on the card.
“That’s a nice retirement fight,” Bisping said. “Liverpool. Northwest of England. That’s where I’m from. I am interested in fighting on that card. We’ll see what the UFC comes up with, but yeah, definitely interested, for sure. That would be my last fight.”
Lately, Bisping and Luke Rockhold have exchanged taunts regarding a potential trilogy bout, but the 39-year-old Englishman hasn’t committed to any particular opponent. Instead, he plans on discussing the dance partner for what could be his final fight with the promotion.
“I spoke to the UFC already. I said to the UFC throw some names my way, and we’ll see,” Bisping said. “We’ll see what they come back with. But yeah, I’m certainly interested. Definitely interested, so there you go.”