Jorge Masvidal says Michael Bisping is in trouble for ripping the Cuban flag months back.
During his stint as the UFC middleweight champion, Michael Bisping had no boundaries when it came to getting under the skin of his then challengers. At UFC 213 last July, he went as far as ripping the Cuban flag, just to add insult to injury after Yoel Romero lost to Robert Whittaker.
Romero was expectedly angered by these actions, and so was fellow Cuban fighter Jorge Masvidal, who has since made things between him and Bisping more personal. In a recent interview with MMAjunkie Radio, “Gamebred” says “The Count” will have to pay for what he did.
“I just don’t like him as a person,” Masvidal said. “I never really liked him before I met him, and after we had our encounters I liked him even less. With him, it’s just a personal thing. He disrespected my country when he ripped up the flag, so he’s got the bounty on his head. I would like to cash in before he retires. That’s why I’m willing to fight so early (in March).”
Masvidal’s original plan was to fight around July or August but is willing to step in earlier just to book a fight with Bisping, who is planning to fight his retirement fight in March in London.
“If it’s up to me, I’m just going to be in the gym getting better until July, August,” Masvidal said. “Train, train, train and just go to the gym without having to fight. Just train and get better – do new things and change up old habits.
“That takes a bit of time to learn those things and execute them. That’s the only reason I’m willing to step up early because I don’t like Bisping’s ass.”
Masvidal last fought at UFC 217 against Stephen Thompson, where he lost via unanimous decision. He is currently on a two-fight losing streak.