Michael Bisping says he turned down a lucrative Real American Freestyle wrestling match with Tito Ortiz, citing concerns over his neck.
According to Bisping, the freestyle wrestling promotion approached him with a major offer to compete against Ortiz. Real American Freestyle is currently signing notable combat sports names and is known for offering large purses to attract talent.
"The asked me for half a million dollars to go wrestle against Tito Ortiz," Bisping said. "I swear to God." He added, "If it was a boxing match, yeah. But wrestling, my neck couldn’t take that. I was tempted. I was like, ‘Half a mill for a little wrestling match?’"
Bisping also pointed to the kind of money other athletes are making with the promotion, saying, "That’s what there guys are getting paid if not more."
Real American Freestyle has signed active UFC fighters such as Khamzat Chimaev, Arman Tsarukyan, Merab Dvalishvili, Gable Steveson, Bo Nickal, and Michael Chandler, along with retired names including Colby Covington, Chris Weidman, Henry Cejudo, Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Tony Ferguson, and Ben Askren.
