Michael Bisping was the man best positioned to replace Chris Weidman in UFC 199. And on Wednesday, Bisping got the call.
Word broke Tuesday that Weidman pulled out of the event's headline fight, for the middleweight championship, against Luke Rockhold. UFC 199 is scheduled for June 4.
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Michael Bisping will replace injured Chris Weidman vs. @LukeRockhold at #UFC199
— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) May 18, 2016
The date is part of the problem. Top contender Jacare Souza is fresh off UFC 198 and a first-round TKO of Vitor Belfort. Recovery time is the question for Souza. On Wednesday, UFC czar Dana White said Souza needs meniscus surgery and would not be able to make the June 4 card.
Bisping also has a time problem. His involves the short amount of prep time before the fight. But he believes it's not a problem.
Training camps separate the boys from the men. This sport isn't for everyone. 2 weeks notice? I'm down!!! @ufc #realfighter #fightersfighter
— michael (@bisping) May 17, 2016
Chris Weidman (Getty Images)
Weidman withdrew from the Rockhold fight because of an injury, according to ESPN. He would have been fighting a rematch of UFC 194, his first in under the mixed martial arts agency's banner. Rockhold is 15-2; Weidman, 13-1; Bisping, 28-7.
Among Bisping's losses is a submission to Rockhold in 2014. Bisping, known as "The Count" and fighting out of England, relishes a rematch.
Rockhold is waiting.
@bisping @UFCONFOX @ufc Bisping few things I enjoy more than shutting your mouth. The pleasure would be all mine, again.
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 18, 2016
And then, there's this:
UFC 199 will be staged. A replacement likely will be named this week.