Michael Bisping agrees to face Tyron Woodley in 180lbs superfight in May - but UFC could curtail big-money bout
- Michael Bisping and Tyron Woodley shake on agreement to fight later this year
- Welterweight champion Woodley suggested the pair meet at weight of 180lbs
- Bisping, middleweight champion, took up 'no belts' offer in Instagram video
Michael Bisping and Tyron Woodley appear to have agreed to a 180lb catchweight fight later this year after a challenge was issued backstage at UFC 207 this weekend.
Welterweight champion Woodley, 34, called out the British middleweight belt holder — and the pair shook hands after some discussion about their walking weights.
Any meeting would have to be firmed up by UFC, which could be a stumbling block with Conor McGregor's lightweight title not set to be on the line any time soon as he takes time out and chiefs reluctant to tie up the two divisions above the Irishman.
Michael Bisping (left) and Tyron Woodley met to discuss a superfight backstage at UFC 207
The middleweight and welterweight champions appeared to agree on a May fight at 180lbs
But for now Bisping and Woodley seem determined to meet in a superfight which would offer a big pay-out for the pair, who both work on Fox Sports' UFC coverage.
In the video posted on Instagram from Las Vegas, Woodley calls out Bisping, 37, saying: 'We fighting'.
A back-and-forth ensues before the American speaks to the camera to say: 'You heard that, 180, me and Bisping;' then adding: 'Alright — you heard, May, 180, we agreed.' Bisping says: 'I agree, I'm in.'
Bisping, 'The Count', fights at 185lbs while his American rival, known as The Chosen One', fights in a class ranked at 15lbs below the Brit.
In his post online, the Brit added: 'Welterweight champ @twooodley wants to throw down. Calling me out at the weekend. I'm down for whatever so if you wanna do it T-wood. Let's go. @ufc @danawhite.'
Brit Bisping and American fighter Woodley shake hands after agreeing to a potential meeting
Bisping is pictured fighting Dan Henderson in Manchester in October of last year
But both men have options in their own divisions, too.
Bisping is set to defend his title for just the second time against Yoel Romero early this year while Woodley has been mooted for a rematch with Stephen Thompson.
It remains to be seen whether the competitive pair will meet in the octagon or if this simply proves to be a move to gauge interest that may never reach fruition.
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