Bisping: ‘Little mean’ that McGregor vs. Mendes is for Interim belt
Michael Bisping on Conro McGregor vs, Chad Mendes: “Personally, I think it’s a little mean, that they’re making this for the interim belt. BUT …”
UFC middleweight and rising television analyst Michael Bisping spoke recently about Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes being for the Interim title. An interim title is usually created when the champion is out for an extended period of time. However, while Aldo’s rib will likely heal within a month, it is the fifth time that Aldo has pulled out of a title fight, and it was the most heavily promoted fight in UFC history, so the decision was made for a title to be on the line.
“My initial reaction is extreme disappointment,” began Bisping. “It’s bad for the UFC. It’s bad for the fans. It’s bad for McGregor. Listen, this was the most highly-anticipated match up in recent UFC history. The fight is not going to take place; it’s a huge blow to the sport.
“Of course Chad Mendes is a fantastic replacement, but it’s not the fight everybody wanted. Everybody wanted to Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor. It will happen down the line. It’s such a shame, it really is.”
“When the fight was first signed, McGregor said ‘I guarantee he pulls out of this fight.’ Of course McGregor is going to say ‘I told you all along.’ We all know it was a legitimate injury; very, very unfortunate. But listen, McGregor is not going to leave him alone.”
“Jose Aldo has pulled out of a number of fights, so I’m sure that comes into the equation somewhere (of determining the fight is for the Interim belt). Personally, I think it’s a little mean, that they’re making this for the interim belt. But listen there’s so much invested in this fight. The whole world has been itching to see a title fight with Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor. Unfortunately the reality is, that ain’t happening. The next best thing? Interim belt, Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor. I for one will be tuning in.”