Michael Bisping says he’s ready to step in against Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 for short notice title fight

By Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Luke Rockhold may not have any shortage of potential challengers at UFC 199 next month, and one-time foe Michael Bisping is trying to put himself out as the front-runner to replace an injured Chris Weidman.

Bisping took to Twitter to make it clear he’s ready to step in on just over two weeks notice for the June 4 event.

Bisping would be entering off a decision win over former Champion Anderson Silva in February, and would be attempting to avenge a loss to Rockhold from November of 2014. The current UFC Champ won that fight by submission in the second round, following up with wins over Lyoto Machida and then Weidman to capture the title.

Penick’s Analysis: If they want to save a Jacare-Rockhold rematch for an event they can fully promote this might be the way to go. Bisping finally gets his shot at the Middleweight Title, he’s unlikely to take the belt from a man who already beat him decisively once, and they can move forward after that. He’s a name they can promote well enough on short notice, especially after he edged past Silva, so it works if it’s a direction they want to go. It’s not the only option, but it’s not a bad one if they go this route.

[Michael Bisping art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

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