Friday 15 July 2016 16:09, UK
Boxing trainer Freddie Roach claims new UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping turned down the opportunity to defend his title against Georges St-Pierre.
UFC president Dana White revealed earlier this week that Bisping would face former foe Dan Henderson in his first fight since winning the title from Luke Rockhold, with Manchester being targeted as the venue for the bout.
Former welterweight king St-Pierre has not fought since successfully defending his belt against Johny Hendricks in November 2013 but is considering a comeback and has been training with Hall-of-Fame boxing coach Roach.
Roach, who trained with St-Pierre last week, revealed the 35-year-old's camp were keen to face Bisping in a potential return fight but claims the Englishman turned down the opportunity to fight the Canadian superstar.
"Yeah, I do like that fight, but Bisping said no. I know that fight's not going to happen," Roach told Fight Hub TV.
Roach also confirmed tentative discussions regarding St-Pierre's return have taken place with the Fertitta brothers - who sold their stake in the UFC on Monday to WME-IMG - and he expects those talks to continue with the company's new owners.
"He was negotiating with the Fertitta brothers," Roach explained. "But I heard a rumour the company just got sold and bought by Ari Emanuel or someone. Maybe more than one person is involved - that's what I heard - but I don't know exactly who owns UFC right now. He'll negotiate with somebody, I'm sure.
"He looked really good in training. He did really well. But the thing is, there are no names out there yet. We haven't picked anyone or we don't have a favourite at this point."
Meanwhile, Bisping has defended his decision to defend his title against the 45-year-old Henderson, who is ranked as the UFC's No 13 middleweight contender and has a 3-6 record in his last nine fights.
"The 'easy' fight is with the guy that knocked me out in 2009, which is the most memorable knockout in UFC history," Bisping said during the UFC Fight Night broadcast on FS1 on Wednesday night.
"The knockout of which is still emblazoned on Dan Henderson's shorts and banners. Every time I go on Twitter and somebody wants to talk trash, they send an image of me laid out unconscious.
"Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Jacare (Ronaldo Souza) - they're going nowhere. Dan Henderson is on the verge of retiring.
"He said one more fight so Dan Henderson put your big-boy pants on, fly over to Manchester and I'll see you in the Octagon, my friend."
