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Bisping sacrificed TV roles for scrapped Boetsch bout

ESPN staff
June 11, 2012
Michael Bisping is wanted for TV work © Getty Images
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Michael Bisping turned down a couple of major TV roles in order to fight Tim Boetsch, prior to the injury that forced the cancellation of the bout.

Bisping had been heading for a UFC 149 battle with Boetsch in the middleweight division that would have enhanced his title claims in the 185 terrain. However, a knee injury - which required surgery - saw Boetsch paired with Hector Lombard as Bisping became sidelined.

The Brit had spoken to ESPN just days before his withdrawal, when he outlined how much he had sacrificed to fight Boetsch.

"I've turned down two roles to train for this fight," Bisping said. "There's a new TV show which is a spin-off of True Blood, I had to turn that down.

"And then when I was on the train my agent called up with another part for me in a TV show that required a week's filming in New York, so I had to turn that down as well.

"So I better f***ing beat Tim Boetsch!"

Following the hammer blow of injury, Bisping must now recuperate before returning to the Octagon, but he summed up why he turns down such roles in favour of fighting: "I love fighting in the UFC and I'm proud to be a part of it," he said. "I enjoy the training and the banter with the lads."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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