Bisping: I retired because I have careers beyond fighting
Michael Bisping: “Even though the injuries and all the rest of it, I probably would have hung around and tried to get a few more paydays. But with all these other things going on, 100-percent I don’t need to do this anymore.”
Combat sports are in no small part defined by staying too long. Muhammad Ali was the most famous man on the planet, and he stayed too long, dying barely able to move. The three things that draw fighters in for too long are the challenge, the roar of the crowd, and money.
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has retired at 39. By contrast, Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock fought at a combined age of 101; they needed the money. ‘The Count’ is doing fine; his current efforts include:
•Opening up over 100 UFC Gyms in the UK (Bisping already owns one in the USA);
•Color commentary for Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, a potential lead into calling UFC events;
•Acting (Bisping screen credits include xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Den of Thieves, and Twin Peaks;
•Owns Playline.com, a fantasy sports website.
In a recent interview with Damon Martin for MMAWeekly, Bisping explained that he retired because he has a second career. Or more accurately, careers.
If it wasn’t for that, I don’t think I would have, said Bisping. Even though the injuries and all the rest of it, I probably would have hung around and tried to get a few more paydays. But with all these other things going on, 100-percent I don’t need to do this anymore.”
The acting is where my primary focus is. I’ve got a lot of passion for it. I’ve got a great agent, a lot of stuff bubbling, a lot of things going on. He’s been on me for a while ‘Mike, you need to retire so you can focus on this properly’. Now that wasn’t the reason [I retired]. The reason was because the time was right for me to move away.
But now I can focus on that 100-percent. Let’s see what we can do. Let’s shoot for the stars.
I fought all over the world. I had the most wins, had the most fights, had the most significant strikes, won the belt, made some money. I mean what’s the point in carrying on? At some point, you’ve got to stop. Could I have gone out and won some more fights? 100-percent I could. I still feel the same way I do and always have done.
100-percent I could have won more fights but I need to focus now on the next chapter of my life.
I’m forever grateful for the experiences, the UFC, and everything. But the time was right. So much going on. Greener pastures.
