By FCF Staff
Just days removed from Michael Bisping’s controversial, stoppage win over Jorge Rivera at UFC 127 Saturday night, at least one man has already gone public to request a bout with the outspoken fighter. Since Bisping’s latest victory, several posts have appeared on Belfort’s official Twitter account, stating the veteran’s desire to meet the former TUF winner in May.
On my way to the airport going back to vegas I am looking forward to fight bisping on may card I need to fight soon I want to get busy
about 10 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
I really like to fight bisping next
43 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone
Of course it remains to be seen what the UFC decides to do with both Bisping (21-3) and Belfort (19-9). While Belfort is coming off a stunning, first round KO loss to middleweight champion Anderson Silva, Bisping has now won three straight fights to insert himself in the contenders mix, which already includes Chael Sonnen, Alan Belcher and Yushin Okami.
There have also been recent reports that Wanderlei Silva has called for a rematch with Belfort and that the former light-heavyweight champion is willing to face his fellow countryman again. If a rematch between Belfort and Silva is in fact put together, it would likely take place this August, when the UFC heads to Brazil.
Belfort continues to be one of the promotion’s more popular middleweights, and a bout with the polarizing Bisping would likely have considerable draw, particularly after this weekend’s latest incident.
Heading into UFC 127, Rivera released a series of videos online criticizing and ridiculing Bisping, which the British fighter adamantly stated went over the line. After the two veterans nearly came to blows at Friday’s weigh-ins, Saturday’s bout was marred with controversy, as Bisping blasted Rivera to the face with an illegal knee in round one.
Rivera elected to continue, but was stopped in round two, and an irate Bisping celebrated the win by yelling and spitting in the direction of Rivera’s cornerman. Bisping apologized for the outburst afterwards and maintained that the foul was accidental, but Rivera and his handlers released a statement condemning the Wolfslair fighter for his actions.
