Michael Bisping has refused Jake Paul's demand for legal conformation over his UFC contract situation as the pair continue to talk up a boxing fight.
Bisping was named on YouTube star Paul's latest six-man hit-list for a potential fight which sparked a war of words between the pair on social media. Paul demanded proof that Bisping could be licensed for a boxing clash, before asking for the British star to prove his contract status.
The former UFC champion has now fired back at Paul for his recent demands, and called for him to accept a deal to face UFC legend Anderson Silva. He tweeted: "Jake 'The Pretender' Paul. First it was 'fight me', then it was 'show me you can get licensed' and now it’s 'show me you’re not under contract'.
"Mate I wouldn’t give you the steam off my p***. Just accept the Anderson Silva fight which I know for a fact has been offered. Jake???" This was in response to Paul's initial tweet in which he wrote: "Post legal confirmation that you are not under UFC contract and I will get you a contract. You retired in 2017 and Dana still got you by the balls. And we fight where I tell you we fight."
Bisping is 43-years-old and has not competed in the UFC since suffering two quick-fire losses to Georges St-Pierre and Kelvin Gastelum during the twilight of his career in 2017. The British star was in talks to face Paul in the boxing ring last year but they broke down after he demanded a guaranteed $1million in a counter offer which was refused by the YouTube star.
Paul has already fought former UFC stars Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren in crossover bouts with the pair having been released from their contracts. The 25-year-old's promotional label Most Valuable Promotions also mocked Bisping on social media, tweeting: "When [Michael Bisping] admits he’s actually still under UFC contract five. years after retiring. Dana White controls him. Also important reminder Jake fans: Tommy Fury and Anderson Silva are both fighting over the next four weeks."
Would you like to see Michael Bisping v Jake Paul? Let us know in the comments section below
Question marks remain over the licensing of any bout with Bisping having denied claims he would be unable to compete in the boxing ring. The Briton later found a location for the bout after being given the all-clear by the Tsuut'ina commission in Canada.
"[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," he said. "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 per cent that they would host that fight."
