Just one week removed from losing his UFC middleweight title, Michael Bisping has stepped up to fill the Anderson Silva shaped hole on the UFC Shanghai card
Anderson Silva was pulled from his clash with Kelvin Gastelum due to a potential doping violation as confirmed by USADA earlier this week.
While the news may have had less impact on the MMA world due to a crazy and eventful week in general, there was a collective surprise when Bisping stepped up to save the day. Bisping, who shunned any notions of retirement following the loss of his middleweight crown to Georges St-Pierre at Madison Square Garden last week, instead claimed that he was ready to fight as soon as possible.
On Saturday, news broke that Bisping would take on Gastelum in the UFC’s first event in mainland China. The MMA community praised “The Count” for his actions:
Michael bisping is an absolute fucking gangster… ?
— Darren Till (@darrentill2) November 12, 2017
Yes I think so. With the strict medicals etc around the UFC, his body is deemed fit. Therefore I think it's incredible to accept another tough challenge after a heartbreaking loss. Some fighters would (justifiably) sit out and wait for the most favourable option. Not @bisping
— John Gooden (@JohnGoodenUK) November 12, 2017
Big props to @bisping for stepping in to to save the show ????
— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) November 12, 2017
Michael @bisping is a true warrior! #Respect https://t.co/oXetyJ1Ts8
— BJ Penn (@bjpenndotcom) November 12, 2017
This is such a gangster move from Bisping after just losing the title. Got to respect what he brings to the table. https://t.co/bKhSs3Hk1T
— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) November 12, 2017
Much respect ??????
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) November 12, 2017
