Michael Bisping, Britonโs first UFC champion, has opened the door to a potential boxing showdown with former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew.
In a move that echoes UFC superstar Conor McGregor swapping the octagon for the ring to take on former pound-for-pound boxing king Floyd Mayweather later this month, Bisping expressed his eagerness for a cross-code bout.
The issue first reared its head when Bellew, who has not fought since beating David Haye in their heavyweight grudge match in March, told Sky Sports: โI can wrestle, I can grapple, I punch hard, I can kick and Iโve got some kickboxing experience.

โIf youโre asking if I would get in the cage with a puncher in the UFC? Mike Bisping is a guy who is predominantly known as a puncher and heโs a very strong wrestler as well.โ
The 34-year-old clarified his remarks on Twitter, adding: โJust to clear things up.. I didnโt call @bisping out! Im actually a fan of his tbh! They asked โwould I fight himโ to which I replied โYESโ.โ
Bisping, 38, responded that he would be happy to box Bellew once he has defended his UFC middleweight title against Georges St-Pierre.
Well it looks and sounds good to meโฆ @EddieHearn can provide the stage and I’ll provide a knockout to add to my highlight reel. ???????????? https://t.co/UIWKAIv29J
โ Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) August 16, 2017
All good Tony. People twist things. But for the record, after gsp, I’m down to have a boxing match with you 100 percent. ????
โ michael (@bisping) August 15, 2017
He tweeted: โAll good Tony. People twist things. But for the record, after gsp, Iโm down to have a boxing match with you 100 percent.โ
Bellew replied to his fellow Englishman: โWell it looks and sounds good to meโฆ Iโll provide a knockout to add to my highlight reel.โ