• TUF 14

Bisping still wants TUF 14 coaching slot

ESPN staff
May 19, 2011
Michael Bisping has not fought since February © Getty Images
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Michael Bisping has told the UFC he still wants to be a coach on the next series of The Ultimate Fighter, regardless of Chael Sonnen's upheld suspension from MMA.

Sonnen revealed during his Wednesday hearing that a suspension would prevent him from coaching against Bisping on TUF 14, but the California State Athletic Commission nevertheless passed a motion to uphold the middleweight's ban indefinitely.

The decision leaves Sonnen out of work, and Bisping without an opponent. The Brit's instant reaction was to express his sympathy for Sonnen, who paid the price for money laundering and delivering a controversial testimony when defending abnormal levels of testosterone.

However, Bisping would still like to coach on the reality series for a second time, having initially earned his route into the UFC as a contestant.

"Absolutely. The Ultimate Fighter did fantastic things for me as a fighter and my career," Bisping told MMA Fighting.

"If it weren't for The Ultimate Fighter, it's possible we might not be having this conversation now. So, I'm very grateful for my time on The Ultimate Fighter as a contestant and as a coach.

"So if the UFC were graceful enough to give me another shot on the show, then who am I to turn it down? The UFC have been the best employees a man can ever wish for. If that's what they want me to do, then I'm their man."

Possible future opponents for Bisping include Alan Belcher and Vitor Belfort.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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