Michael Bisping (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Now that Michael Bisping has called it quits on his fighting career, Robert Whittaker will never face the former middleweight champ in the cage, and the reigning 185 king is happy about that.

In recent months, Bisping talked about the possibility of fighting one more time, before announcing last week that he’s decided to retire. During a recent media call to promote UFC 225, and Whittaker’s fight with Yoel Romero, the middleweight champ had this to say about Bisping (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“I think he’s a true warrior,” Whittaker said. “I really do. He’s done it all. He’s lost, he’s won, and he’s become champion. He’s a true test of endurance and determination. I really do, I think a lot of people can learn a thing or two watching his career.

“In terms of fighting him, from one fighter to another, there’s a lot of respect in terms of wanting to fight each other. There would’ve been a lot of respect there and a lot of honor earned, but I’m happy not to have fought him, just due to the fact that I’ve always watched him and, if I’m going to be honest with myself, I’m a bit of a fan of his, to be honest.”

The 39 year-old Bisping hung up the gloves having gone 30-9 in pro MMA bouts.

UFC 225 will be hosted by Chicago, Illinois, June 9th.