Michael Bisping has five fights he’d love to see happen in 2023 – including one in boxing.
The former UFC middleweight champion and current commentator thinks four UFC fights eluded us in 2022 and hopes they finally come to fruition in 2023.
The boxing match he’d like to see is Tyson Fury vs. fellow unbeaten heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. But the UFC fights on his list include some of the sport’s biggest stars – as well as a highly anticipated rematch that could be on the horizon.
Check out Bisping’s UFC wishlist below.
Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones
“We know about the knockout power. (Ngannou is) getting better all the time. He’s learning how to sprawl. He beat Stipe Miocic, the greatest heavyweight of all time, and last time we saw him, he beat Ciryl Gane. He showed evolution. He showed some new wrinkles. He showed some takedowns. But how would he do against Jon Jones? That is the big fight that everyone has to see, and it absolutely has to happen in 2023.”
Marlon Vera vs. Sean O'Malley 2
“I’m a fan of them both, but they’ve got to fight again, and the reason why is because they are on the trajectory. They are two of the biggest stars in the bantamweight division.”
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington
“Khamzat is saying he can’t get a fight. Colby Covington currently doesn’t have a fight. There’s a lot at stake for both men in this fight.”
Conor McGregor vs. Jorge Masvidal
“I want to see (McGregor) against someone who’s going to put on an exciting fight. I don’t want to see someone try and wrestle him. And I’m not saying Conor couldn’t beat those guys, but he’s probably going to fight at 170.
“I want to see him in a fun fight. I want to see him against someone who will stand toe-to-toe. That’s what Masvidal will do. Masvidal toe-to-toe, standing on the feet, is as game as they come. He’s as fast, he’s as quick, he’s as technical and he’s as nasty. Could you imagine the trash talk leading up to it? Pay-per-view bonanza.”
