UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping is living the life so many fighters fantasize about. At 37 years of age, he’s beaten Anderson Silva, knocked out Luke Rockhold (and snatched the belt), beaten Dan Henderson in a long overdue rematch, has juicy roles in big budget movies and has a regular spot on FOX Sports’ commentary team. It’s definitely good to be the king.
Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with how his title reign is playing out. His fighting peers have gripes that he’s lobbied for a fight with a big name (GSP, Nick Diaz) rather than the next contender in line. Yoel Romero, Chris Weidman and Jacare Souza have all weighed in with frustration at having to wait their turn.
However, not everyone is against Bisping doing what he feels is best for his career. Fellow middleweight competitor Elias Theodorou is in full support of “The Count’s” quest for a big payday. In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow’s Three Amigos Podcast, “The Spartan” gave his opinion on the topic.
“I’m okay with it. Why not? Squeeze the lemon for all it’s worth. He becomes GOAT in regards to having all his cake and eating it, too. He’ll get the last laugh, and that’s awesome. It’s a credit to someone who has stuck in there—was so close so many times to a championship—despite the losses to a lot of potential cheaters in the past.
I really like the idea that this brash Brit—who may say a couple things that he shouldn’t with a shiteating grin; one that I personally love—can get what he deserves. I think he does deserve to be the champ. I think he deserves to get big money fights.”
Theodorou went on to share a story about a dinner he shared with Bisping a couple years ago:
“I was out to dinner with my manager Audie (Paradigm Management) and Michael—who is also managed by the same people—right before his fight with Thales Leites. During dinner, Bisping was very reflective, talking about his career and movies, and in many ways, he was lending me some of his knowledge. Having this man, who has been in the sport for so long, who was The Ultimate Fighter winner, talk to me and reflect on his career...I was just in awe at the time, but to see him go on just a year later to win the title was incredible.
Success is a mixture of opportunity and readiness, and Michael Bisping was ready when he got the opportunity. You have to admire that, and I love the hell out of him looking to maximize his opportunities. Athleticism is a finite resource, so I’m all for anyone getting as much damned money as they can. Get the most from your career.”
You can catch the rest of this great interview right HERE at the 47:25 mark of the audio or via the embedded player below. Remember, if you're looking for us on SoundCloud or iTunes, we're under the MMA Nation name. Follow our Twitter accounts: Stephie Haynes, Three Amigos Podcast, Iain Kidd and Mookie Alexander or our Facebook fan page, Three Amigos Pod.