• UFC 127

Bisping 'would welcome' title eliminator with Okami

ESPN staff
February 21, 2011
Michael Bisping knows his next opponent will not be easy if he overcomes Jorge Rivera at UFC 127 © Getty Images
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Michael Bisping has confessed he would welcome a title eliminator with Yushin Okami if he beats Jorge Rivera at UFC 127 in Sydney.

Bisping is convinced two victories would lead him to a shot at the UFC middleweight title, and ESPN understands the UFC has similar thoughts on the Briton's career path.

Okami is currently the No. 1 contender in the 185lb division, but middleweight champion Anderson Silva's next fight will be against Georges St-Pierre, if the Canadian overcomes Jake Shields at UFC 129.

That would leave Okami waiting around for his shot, and Bisping is willing to keep the Japanese busy by luring him into a title eliminator - possibly to be held in the UK.

"If GSP beats Jakes Shields he will be fighting Anderson Silva. I can understand that, it's a big business fight for the UFC and the fans want to see it," Bisping told ESPN.

"Fingers crossed I get by Rivera, Yushin Okami would make a lot of sense, although he might want to wait for a title shot. He doesn't strike me as that type of guy though, I get the feeling he wants to be busy.

"I'd welcome a fight with Yushin Okami. I'd welcome a fight with whoever. Let's be honest, when I get past Jorge Rivera the next opponent is definitely not going to be easy. It's going to be a tough fight regardless of who it is.

"If I get past them, I think I'd warrant a title shot."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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