Michael Bisping coughed up his Middleweight title last night (Sat., Nov. 4, 2017) after getting choked out by Georges St-Pierre in the main event of UFC 217 inside Madison Square Garden in New York City.
And despite rumors of the possibility of retiring with a defeat, a crushed “Count” says he’ll keep chugging along, and could return to action as early as March of 2018.
“I don’t need time off, I’m fine,” Bisping said Saturday at the UFC 217 post-fight press conference (video replay here) via MMA Fighting. “I’ve got no injuries whatsoever, I’m not hurt at all. I’ve got a couple of little scuffs on my face, but nothing hurt me. Tonight was his night. Maybe (I’ll fight) March in London (at UFC Fight Night 127), that sounds nice. We’ll see,” he added.
For Michael, reaching the pinnacle of the sport is one of the greatest achievement in his combat career, and says he won’t ride into the sunset on a loss.
“But listen, I love doing what I do. I’m from a small town in the northwest of England, I never thought I’d be headlining Madison Square Garden. And I’ll be damned if the last time I do it is me getting choked out on TV. So, it wasn’t my night, but that’s the way (it goes) with professional sports. One man or one team wins, and one man or one team loses.”
Indeed, after knocking out Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 to claim the crown, Bisping went on to defend the title once against Dan Henderson. And though it was short-lived reign — as far as title defense go — Michael will keep his head up high with what he’s accomplished.
“It feels like yesterday, I was champion of the world,” Bisping said. “Listen, I’m happy. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in this sport. I really am, and you can’t take that away from me. My kids are over there and they just said, ‘I thought you’d be more pissed off.’ And listen, of course I’m pissed off. I’m crushed inside. I am. But also, at the same time, I realize what’s important in life. This is what I dedicated my life to, but I do it for my children. I’m hearing we did over a million pay-per-view buys tonight from the top people, so that’s good.,” he added.
“It’s a nice little consolation prize, but to answer your question, I’m happy. I’m happy with what I’ve done. Yeah, I’m crushed inside, but life goes on. Life goes on. Every time you fight, one man’s going to win and one man’s going to lose. That’s what you sign up for. You can’t cry like a little bitch. All respect to Georges. Well done, he beat me. I felt fantastic going in there tonight. I truly thought I was going to smoke him, and I didn’t, so well done,” concluded the former 185-pound champion.
As for ho he fights next, there is some unsettled business with Yoel Romero, so that matchup seems like the one to make since both men came up short in the previous championship matches.
Any opposition?
For complete UFC 217: “Bisping vs St. Pierre” results and play-by-play, click HERE!