Michael Bisping has told Jake Paul the ball is in his court after finding a location for a potential fight with YouTube star.
Now-retired UFC legend Bisping was named on Paul's six-man hitlist as the American offered him $1million plus a pay-per-view bonus if he can get licensed to fight. Bisping, who passed pre-fight medical checks for years despite fighting with one eye, has now found a venue in Canada.
The Tsuut'ina combative commission, who are located outside of Calgary, are an Indian reserve that sanction professional fights. They reached out to Bisping after the UFC legend suggested he could fight Paul on an Indian reservation as bouts are not sanctioned by state commissions in these areas.
Bisping told Paul to make "his move" after tweeting a video of the Tsuut'ina's commissioner, in which he stated: "We are doing this video to inform you that we sanction professional athletic bouts, just outside of Calgary, Alberta.
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"We have done a total of six shows, pro and amateur, and got news of your inability currently Mr Bisping to get a fight license. We are here to provide you that we can do that for you.
"With each fighter, we don't give licenses we give permits. Each permit requires blood work, an ECG [electrocardiogram] and we are recommending a brain scan. We are a functioning law and we hope that this can sway Mr Paul in wanting to have a combative fight with you."
Bisping addressed the Tsuut'ina commission's video in a recent episode of his ' Believe You Me ' podcast, stating: "[Paul] says that if I can get licensed, he will fight me. I don’t want to fight Jake Paul. I don’t. But guess what? I know a few people. I haven’t been around this fight game this long to not have contacts.
"I’m talking about the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre, Alberta Travel Tourism board. The Tsuut'ina Combat Sports Commission have messaged me and said 100% that they would host that fight and they would commission me with one eye. So, Mr. Jake Paul… the ball’s in your court.”
Bisping was in talks to fight Paul last year, with the ex-UFC champion being offered $500,000 for the fight. The Brit said he wanted $1million plus a pay-per-view bonus, but Paul refused his counter-offer and went on to fight (and knockout) another retired UFC fighter in Ben Askren.