Still intent on someday holding UFC gold, perennial middleweight contender Michael Bisping says he’s willing to step back from the title hunt to resolve personal business with Tim Kennedy. On the mend rehabbing an injured eye, Bisping tells Bloody Elbow he’s happy to oblige Kennedy’s attempt at garnering attention.
Tim Kennedy is beneath me as a fighter 100%, but if you make enough noise about it, eventually, I’m going to have to shut him up. Now, he’s getting his own way, even though he’s not somebody I would choose to fight at this point in my career.
I want to punch him in the face so bad that I’m going to do it in the Octagon professionally, and if you look at the trend of these people calling me out, it never really ends well for them. Tim Kennedy, if you’ve got a set of balls, call Dana White and ask for the fight, and I’ll see you in the Octagon. Then you can shut the f*ck up, once and for all. How about that Bloody Elbow? Put that one in your pipe and smoke it! [Laughs heartily]
Bisping admits fighting Kennedy may not be the best choice for his career, but that it’s still a win win.
I want to fight for the title in 2014. That’s my real focus, but Tim Kennedy has been going on so much that I’ll put that off to one side. That guy has been at it non-stop, and enough is enough. Either I whip his ass in the Octagon, or I’ll end up having to be held responsible for my actions if I see him in the street. Fighting and beating Tim Kennedy isn’t going to get me closer to a title shot, but on the flip side, since I’m currently taking some time to rehab my eye, it will be a nice little comeback match, because I really do believe I can beat Tim Kennedy while standing on my head. I’ll still train accordingly, pick up a nice payday…it’s a win-win.
Currently ranked the UFC’s No. 4 middleweight, Bisping hasn’t competed since April’s UFC 159 but plans to return in March 2014. Kennedy, ranked No. 10, recently improved to 2-0 in the UFC with a highlight reel knockout of Rafael Natal at UFC: Fight for the Troops 3 earlier this month.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Equipment drama. Johny Hendricks opens up on the trouble he had with his hand wraps and mouthpiece at UFC 167.
Rory candid. Rory MacDonald says he ‘needed to lose’ at UFC 167 to regain hunger for fighting.
New life for Toquinho. Released from the UFC, Rousimar Palhares has signed a new deal with World Series of Fighting.
Askren confusion. Douglas Lima says he doesn’t understand why the UFC hasn’t signed Ben Askren, but admits his grinding style likely sent him packing from Bellator.
Grice update. After spending two months in the hospital recovering from a auto accident, Matt Grice begins outpatient rehab from home.
It’s Tuesday, so make sure to check out yesterday’s MMA Hour featuring Johny Hendricks, Julianna Pena, Jared Rosholt, Bryan Caraway, Matt Grice, Pat Barry and Rory MacDonald.
MEDIA STEW
Free Fight: Nate Diaz vs. Donald Cerrone at UFC 141.
Action from Jungle FIght 61:
Anderson Fala Mansa vs. Jack Godzila.
Rogério Karranca vs. Magno Magú.
Leandro Enoque vs. Ramon Barzete.
Bellator 109 highlights.
New Tommy Toe Hold Show.
Ole Laursen vs. Joe Ray at DARE.
Tag team MMA at ARROWS.
Now, some would call this unsportsmanlike.
TWEETS
But was he crawling on cars???
Long day of training. Just getting back home now 1210 am. So excited to get in the cage to do my thing! 4 more weeks! #UFC168
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) November 26, 2013
Background guy vs. Sidelined guy.
Background guy reminds me of someone trying to get noticed, perhaps a certain Tim ‘background guy’ Kennedy http://t.co/9wGHLmXgxX
— michael (@bisping) November 25, 2013
Gamblin’.
$40,350!!!! @lorenzofertitta @ultimatecasino http://t.co/QrVqkXA0EE
— Dana White (@danawhite) November 26, 2013
The Roufusport crew gets behind Askren as he meets with the UFC.
Looking forward to seeing @Benaskren take on the best in the @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta
— Duke Roufus (@dukeroufus) November 25, 2013
@danawhite @lorenzofertitta please give @Benaskren a chance to come kick some ass in the @ufc !!! The mans a beast and only getting better!
— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) November 25, 2013
Everyone wants to see @Benaskren in the @ufc make it happen @danawhite
— Erik Jon Koch (@NEWBREED04) November 25, 2013
Please give this man @Benaskren a job. Would be a waste of talent n trash talking if he has to retire @ufc @lorenzofertitta @danawhite
— Pascal Krauss (@pascalkrauss) November 25, 2013
‘Black Dana’ is in contention. This thing is wide open.
New pet,but him don’t have a name who finds a name we are gonna give a t-shirt.WAND VENUM!! Temos o… http://t.co/R3EAybmkja
— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) November 26, 2013
The Falconer.
Wiser than men are the birds facing any storms, but they always sing thanking God for another day. pic.twitter.com/YQwSx6CO8d
— Rousimar Palhares (@ToquinhoMMA) November 26, 2013
Dreams.
yes, I am fighting in the UFC on Saturday! It’s my dream! Literally, my dream of years in the making!! It’s an honor. ?????UFC?????????
— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) November 26, 2013
meanwhile…
Dang are they really not using ANY of the guys for the finale? I understand me and Anthony lol but damn.
— Cody Bollinger (@CodyBollinger) November 25, 2013
Life is about compromise.
Everybody said that I shouldn’t ride a bike before my fight. Ok so I’ve decided to change. What you… http://t.co/VGjHo6zfUo
— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) November 25, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Nov. 25 2013)
Jessamyn Duke vs. Peggy Morgan at TUF 18 Finale
Adam Khaliev vs. Pascal Krauss at UFC on FOX 10
Ben Wall Agrees vs. Alex Garcia at UFC Fight Night 33
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via leriksson.
The Enormous Potential of the UFC Women’s Strawweight Division – Lengthy and Deep Analysis
If you haven’t heard yet, Dana White has stated that the UFC is looking into creating the women’s strawweight (115lbs) division in 2014.
This is gigantic news for WMMA, and just one of the signs, that WMMA is gaining ground, and quick. Only about two years ago, did all-female promotion, Invicta FC, come in on the backs of the strong leadership from Shannon Knapp, and put on there first event. Fast forward to today, and it’s great to see the UFC recognizes the talent available at 115lbs.
So what does this mean for Invicta and it’s surrounding weight classes?
Well, as we saw with UFC’s 135lbs inclusion, girls from 145 and and 125 moved down and up to fight in the UFC. Germaine de randamie, Jessica Andrade, Rosi Sexton among others.
As for invicta Shannon released this statement, which was essentially saying they have a great working relationship with the UFC and will continue to put on events and strawweight fights.
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Check out the rest of the post here.
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