The highly anticipated UFC Middleweight Title bout between champion Michael Bisping and challenger Georges St. Pierre is no longer happening, according to UFC President Dana White.
In an interview with Fox Sports Australia, the UFC President says that the company isn’t happy with the long wait for the fight, as GSP said that he didn’t want to compete until after October.
“I made this ‘GSP’ fight – we did a press conference. The thing was supposed to happen in July. Michael Bisping is going to have to defend his title now. We’re not waiting for ‘GSP,'” White said. “Georges St-Pierre was coming back. Bisping-St Pierre – they both wanted that fight. We asked Yoel to step aside. He did. It doesn’t look like that fight is gonna happen now. (Romero) doesn’t need to voice his opinion on why he needs a title shot. He definitely deserves a title shot. He’s next in line – he’s the No.1 ranked guy in the world. Georges St-Pierre is saying he will not be ready to compete now until November. Who knows if that’s even the case? It could be next year. … So we’re not waiting for Georges St-Pierre anymore. We’re moving on with the division, and Yoel Romero will get the next shot.”
There’s no date set yet for the new middleweight title fight, but Bisping said in a past interview that he would be willing to fight this July.
GSP has yet to comment on the matter, but when he does finally return to the cage, it won’t be until four years after his last bout at UFC 167 in 2013.
Romero had been clamoring for a title shot since defeating former middleweight champion Chris Weidman at UFC 205 last year.
For Bisping, it’ll be the first time he has defended the gold since defeating the now retired Dan Henderson by decision at UFC 204.
