Bisping accepts challenge from Tim Kennedy: 'I really want to punch him in the face'

Michael Bisping did not like the recent challenges made by Tim Kennedy and stated that the North American is the most likely opponent for his return to the UFC.

The Englishman is out of competition due to a detached retina that he suffered shortly before facing Mark Muñoz in October. However, he has already shown his desire to return to fight at the beginning of next year, as his main goal is to win the middleweight title in 2014.

“In an ideal world, I want a fight that brings me closer to a title shot. That's still my dream and that's what I want to pursue. The middleweight category is very full, with [Ronaldo] Jacaré, Lyoto [Machida], Luke Rockhold, between others. But Tim Kennedy is doing a good job of getting punched in the face if he continues, so I'll probably fight him”, said the English fighter, in a question and answer session with fans. “I really, really want to punch him in the face and get paid for it. If he was in the same room as me, I don't think he would have been able to contain me.”

Bisping said he initially avoided responding to Kennedy's challenges. “He had some fights in the UFC against nomads and didn’t even have good performances. He's been challenging me for years, and at first I didn't want to respond so I wouldn't give him what he wanted. He is trying to create a buzz for himself. But he has done it so much that he has left me with no alternative”, criticized the Englishman.

In 2013, Bisping had two fights in the UFC: he lost to Vitor belfort, in São Paulo, and won Alan belcher, in New Jersey.