UFC champion Michael Bisping aims to fight 'three times then probably retire'
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 30/09/16 2:13pm
Michael Bisping has revealed that he plans to fight just twice more after facing Dan Henderson before retiring “as one of the greatest ever”.
The 37-year-old became Britain's first UFC champion in June by stopping Luke Rockhold, bringing an end to his 10-year wait for gold.
The Lancashire middleweight has racked up 26 UFC fights - the most any fighter has taken to win their first world title - and accepts that his career will draw to a close soon after defending his belt against Henderson.
I'll retire as one of the greatest fighters to ever grace the Octagon, I'm already in the Hall of Fame, I'm already the champion, I've fought all over the world and I've broken lots of records.
Michael Bisping
"In a dream scenario I will defend the belt three times, then probably retire," Bisping exclusively told Sky Sports. "That's easy to say now - but that's my plan.
"I'll retire as one of the greatest fighters to ever grace the Octagon, I'm already in the Hall of Fame, I'm already the champion, I've fought all over the world and I've broken lots of records.
"If I could defend the title three times, that would cement me as one of the greatest ever.
"I could go on for a lot longer but I've done this for so long. I don't want to be one of those guys that people wish had retired a long time ago. Sports are full of those stories."
Bisping's 19 UFC wins can only be matched by welterweight legend Georges St-Pierre, and the Brit has opened the door to a catch-weight fight against the Canadian later this year.
