Michael Bisping’s humorous comments about Karl Moore found their mark.
The last man to hold the Cage Warriors light heavyweight strap before Karl Moore was Michael Bisping. ‘The Count’ won the title in his sixth professional fight. He went on to defend it three times before joining the cast of the Ultimate Fighter and kick-starting his UFC career.
11 years after Bisping relinquished the title, Belfast’s Moore won it. His five-round unanimous decision win over Josh Clark in the 3Arena earned the strap. But as Bisping joked on his podcast ‘Believe You Me,’ Moore never beat him, so…
“Well, you never took it off me, Karl. So you’re a punk bitch (laughs). Joking.”
Bisping has maintained that he has, at most, one more fight left in him before he retires. He found humour in his co-host’s suggestion that his swansong should be against the Irishman for his old belt. However, he admitted that it was all in jest and he meant no disrespect.
“My retirement fight in Cage Warriors. Yeah, back to where it all started. Back to the good old days... Karl Moore, keep up the good work, by the way.”
Moore heard the podcast and issued a response that suggested he was in on the joke. He needs an opponent for his next defence, so why not take up Bisping on his ‘offer’?
Just heard @bisping calling me a paper champ and that he's the true cage warriors LHW champion. Your a legend of the game Michael, but the real 205 champ is right here. I've no opponent for my defense at CW95, what you doing July 21st?
— Karl Moore (@KarlMoore91) May 2, 2018
Despite once claiming to Off the Ball that he is ’10 times better than Bisping,’ it’s doubtful that Moore wasn’t in on the joke. Knowing that Bisping is locked into a UFC contract and hearing him chuckle on his podcast, it’s highly unlikely he could have misinterpreted Bisping’s comments as disrespectful.
Cue the Richard Keys, ‘It was just b^nter’ vine.
However, judging by the reply, Bisping seems to think the joke went straight over his head.
Congrats on your success, but maybe your sense of humour needs work? Just a joke mate. Keep doing your thing pal.
— michael (@bisping) May 3, 2018
Some wires clearly got crossed here.
