Michael Bisping (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Michael Bisping has repeatedly said that he’s never ducked an opponent, and that he’ll fight Yoel Romero if need be, but the latter’s manager insists the 185 champ is avoiding the contender.

In recent weeks, Bisping has said he wants the biggest fight possible next, in terms of a payday, and he isn’t sure Romero can deliver that. As a result, Bisping has expressed an interest in facing Georges St-Pierre next, who’s relayed he’d like to fight the British star. Following Romero’s highlight reel stoppage win over Chris Weidman in November, which was the decorated wrestler’s eighth straight win, Dana White has said the Cuban fighter will challenge for the belt next.

Recently Romero’s manager Malki Kawa spoke with Luke Thomas, on the latter’s Sirius XM show. According to Kawa, Bisping has no interest in facing Romero at all, even though the champ has said he’ll fight the contender if required (quote via MMA Fighting):

“The reality of it is that Dana agrees and so does every single person that owns the UFC, has a piece of the UFC,” said Kawa. “From the celebrity owners to Ari Emanuel, Patrick Whitesell, every one of the employees at WME, every single person here at First Round Management, and probably the millions and millions of fans that watch the UFC agree that Yoel Romero deserves the next shot at Michael Bisping. I think the issue here is the following: Michael Bisping understands that his days are numbered when it comes to a guy like Yoel Romero. I think he understands the game very well from every opponent he’s picked…”

“I don’t care what anybody says, he is absolutely ducking Yoel Romero right now. It’s been confirmed to me by everybody at the UFC. Michael Bisping wants no part of Yoel Romero at this point. None whatsoever.”

Bisping is coming off a tightly contested, decision win over Dan Henderson in October. The bout was Bisping’s first title defense, after he KO’d Luke Rockhold last June to become champ.