UFC President Dana White has today confirmed that middleweight champion Michael Bisping (30-7) will face Yoel Romero (12-1) in his next title defence.
With “The Count” currently out injured, a rumoured clash between the pair has been circulating social media since his title defence over Dan Henderson at UFC 204. Today, it has been revealed the long anticipated match-up will be taking place once the Mancunian returns from knee surgery.
Dana White confirms Bisping vs. Romero on UFC Unfiltered
Speaking to UFC Unfiltered, White revealed: “Yoel Romero has been floating out there a long time waiting for a title shot. Bisping wanted to do that grudge match with Dan Henderson. It was going to be Dan Henderson’s last fight. I’ve always shown Henderson the respect I felt he deserved. He’s a guy who’s fought everybody out there. So we did that fight and he’s got to defend his title now against the number one contender [Romero].”
As expected, social media was quick to react to the news and the “Soldier of God” himself decided to take to Twitter, reacting to the news with the caption “Tick tock Mickey.”
Tick tock Mickey @bisping #seeyousoonboiiii https://t.co/O2hBEd5gm0
— Yoel Romero (@YoelRomeroMMA) January 31, 2017
The 185lb champion has previously expressed his desire for a big money fight when he returns in the spring. Speaking to Champions.co he claimed: “I don’t mind facing number one contenders but at this stage of my career, I’ve fought the best guys forever. I want the biggest fight it can possibly be. And by biggest, I mean the biggest money-generating fight I can possibly have. I feel I deserve that. I’ve earned that”.
A fight with 39-year-old Romero is destined to be a lucrative one and with both fighters nearing the end of their careers, it is a make or break fight for both UFC giants.
Bisping, 37, with as many fights under his belt as years of age, is nearing the end of his career and has been in many wars over during his time. With questions about his potential retirement, a successful title defence against the Cuban could well see him finish on top. However, for the American Top Team athlete, two years Bisping’s elder, a title is the one thing missing from an almost flawless career in the Octagon which includes wins over Chris Wiedman, “Jacare” Souza and Lyoto Machida.
