Sometimes all it takes for a fighter to become inspired is the right foil. For Anderson Silva it was Chael Sonnen, for Ronda Rousey it was Miesha Tate, for Conor McGregor it’s been just about everyone. And now it seems that Michael Bisping has sparked inspiration in Yoel Romero. The former Olympic silver medalist is tentatively scheduled to be the next title challenger for Bisping’s UFC middleweight title, following his November win over former champ Chris Weidman.
But, UFC title shots are fickle things, so just to be sure he stays at the front of the line (as Bisping recovers from surgery), Romero has been working to build some hype for their eventual bout. Safe to say, the man has a gift:
I'm raising money for Michael Bisping Medical Expenses. Click to Donate: https://t.co/CtOtbTiaUL via @gofundme
— Yoel Romero (@YoelRomeroMMA) February 8, 2017
“This is Mike, he will be needing money to survive after me and him meet in the octagon approximately May of 2017,” Romero wrote on the since deleted still live GoFundMe page. “He is happy in this picture after defending his title against another fighter and the devastation he went through has caused him to have surgery on his knee where all the visible damage was on his face. This surgery has prevented him from competing in a timely manner. After his fight with me, I am convinced he will need this money to rebuild his life, he has a family and I am deeply concerned for him. Please help any way that you can as all funds will be used for medical expenses and his retirement party. Thank you for your time and #ynuevo.”
The campaign only raised $5 before it was removed from the site, but for those brief couple of hours that it lasted, it was glorious is still ongoing, so feel free to chip in for Bisping’s rehab if you feel the need. No word yet on an official date for Romero vs. Bisping, but hopefully the next few months will serve to escalate the UFC’s need to make the fight.