Bisping 'probably retired,' but open to catchweight swan song vs. Nick Diaz
Warning: Story contains coarse language
There's a good chance Michael Bisping has already taken to the Octagon for the last time.
The ex-middleweight champ has openly entertained retirement since late 2017, and after rumors of a swan song opposite Nick Diaz at UFC 226 surfaced recently, he not only shot them down as "total bullshit," but stated his days in four-ounce gloves were likely over during the latest episode of his "Believe You Me" podcast.
"I’m probably retired," Bisping said. "I know I’m driving everyone crazy with this. Certainly, reporters ask me all the time, but I don’t know. If something comes along, great, but I need to make my mind up and make that official and move on with the rest of my life or get a fight. I was supposed to fight in London, it never happened. Book me a fight and let’s go. If not, fuck it, let’s move on."
While Bisping has not yet been approached by the UFC for a would-be retirement bout, he did add he'd be interested in squaring off with Diaz - on one condition. The Brit has repeatedly stated he'd like to move back up to 205 pounds for his last hurrah, but would be willing to face Diaz - a career 170-pounder who last fought Anderson Silva in 2015 at 185 - in a catchweight bout.
"Nick Diaz is someone that I definitely respect and if there was a possibility of that fight, then for sure, I would accept it. People would want to see that. The only issue is that if I do fight (again) I want it at 205 (pounds) and I don’t think Nick would do 205. Making 185 for the last 10 years has been so hard.
"Making 185 is not an easy task, not an easy task at all, so if I’m going to fight one more time, it’s gonna be at light heavyweight. Or I’d do a catchweight, maybe at 195 or whatever but making 185 for me is too hard. So, if Nick would be willing to come up, I’ll do it. I’ll accept. I’m down. I’m in. Sign me up."
- With h/t to MMA Fighting