UFC President Dana White has confirmed UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping will not defend his title against George St-Pierre in his next fight.
In a recent interview with MMAjunkie, White said Bisping will defend his championship against the winner of Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker. The two middleweight contenders will fight for an interim championship at UFC 213 on July 8.
“(Bisping) is in line for the winner. Bisping’s never turned down a fight, this guy,” White said.
“Me and Bisping go back a long way from his season of The Ultimate Fighter, and I’ve done a lot of things for Michael Bisping, and Michael Bisping’s done a lot of things for me.
“We have a really good relationship and we communicate a lot, even when we’re both not really happy with the situation and what’s going on. Me and Michael will get this done.”
Bisping was briefly set to defend his title against a returning St-Pierre. However, injuries to both fighters have forced the UFC to cancel the matchup.
“I’m in this situation right now where Bisping’s hurt. This should be Bisping vs. Romero right now. Whittaker just destroyed Jacare and Romero has been beating everybody along the way, waiting for this title shot,” White said.
“Bisping’s not ready yet. And if there was ever an interim title fight, how is this one not worthy? This fight’s going to be ridiculous.”
