Advertisement

Michael Bisping explains why he changed mind about Anderson Silva fight

UFC middleweight Michael Bisping has had a change of heart about fighting Anderson Silva, telling MMAjunkie Radio the ex-champ gets a pass despite Bisping’s recent vow not to face those found using performance-enhancing drugs.

“I thought, ‘You know what, screw it.’ I’ll put my judgement to one side, and I’ll take the fight because it is Anderson Silva,” Bisping said. “He is a legend, and I want to have the biggest fights possible. But generally, that is the rule I’m going to stick to.”

Bisping’s (27-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) shift comes amid rumors of an upcoming rematch between Silva (27-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) and ex-champ Vitor Belfort in the works for UFC 197.

The report of Silva’s return comes three months after he was suspended one year, retroactive to Jan. 31, for failing multiple drug tests in connection with a now-overturned decision win over Nick Diaz at UFC 183. Earlier this month, Belfort (25-11 MMA, 14-7 UFC), a former testosterone-replacement therapy user who’s also been previously suspended for for a failed drug test in 20o6, knocked out Dan Henderson in a trilogy fight at UFC Fight Night 77. The two originally met in 2011 at UFC 126, with then-champ Silva knocking out Belfort via front kick.

One month ago, it was Bisping who was courting rumors of a fight with Silva after the ex-champ teased a return against the outspoken Brit, who in July outpointed onetime middleweight title challenger Thales Leites to pick up his second consecutive UFC win.

Bisping, however, didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat. This past month, he told MMAjunkie Radio he wasn’t interested in facing Silva, who was disgraced with multiple failed drug tests after his triumphant return.

Along with a nagging injury and surgery that required him to withdraw from a matchup with Robert Whittaker at UFC 193, Bisping said Silva’s pop for multiple steroids lessened his desire to take the fight.

“I’ve always wanted to fight Anderson Silva,” Bisping said at the time. “Everybody knows that. That’s been well documented. But, I don’t know if I feel the same about that right now. The fact is, I kind of said to myself recently, ‘Anybody that tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs, I want no part of it. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve been a cheat.’

“I don’t think that at 39 years old, having the career that Anderson Silva had, I don’t think you make the decision at 39 years old to try this new thing called steroids. I think he must have been on the juice the whole time.

“I’ve never used any of that stuff, and I don’t see why I should have to fight people who have used those products. So, I don’t know whether I would take a fight with Anderson Silva after that’s all said and done.”

In his most recent interview, Bisping said his stance hasn’t changed on PEDs. But even he can admit that as a potential opponent, Silva carries a lot more benefits than drawbacks. In the end, perhaps only his conscience would take a hit.

Bisping said he was hoping to hear from the UFC about the rumored fight. But with talk of Silva vs. Belfort 2, the question is whether it’s still available.

“If he’s taking performance-enhancing drugs, if you’re cheating and taking steroids, then you’re a coward,” Bisping said. “You’re not a man in my eyes – I’ve got no interest in you. But Anderson Silva, he’s a little bit different.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM Ch. 93, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

More Featured