Michael Bisping Caught Making Homophobic Remark on Hot Mic During UFC 298 Broadcast
Former UFC Champion Michael Bisping has found himself in hot water after being caught making a homophobic remark on a hot mic during the UFC 298 broadcast on Saturday. Bisping, who was providing commentary for the event, was heard uttering the offensive remark after Illia Topuria defeated Alexander Volkanovski in the main event.
In a moment that was captured on a hot mic, Bisping said, “15-0, undefeated, 13 stoppages. What a guy, what a night, UFC 298, Anaheim, California. Certainly one for the books.” However, immediately after making these comments, he mocked himself by saying, “What a guy? That’s f*cking gay,” in a tone of disgust.
The incident, which was not aired on ESPN but was picked up by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, has sparked controversy and backlash online. Bisping, who was holding a mic with an ESPN flag, was not employed by the network on that evening, according to ESPN’s response to Outsports.
This is not the first time that Bisping has been embroiled in controversy over homophobic remarks. In the past, he has insulted opponents using homophobic slurs, tweeted using homophobic language, and was previously caught on a hot mic in 2016 making similar remarks during a post-fight press conference.
Despite the backlash, Bisping has not issued an apology for his comments, and neither has the UFC. The incident has reignited the debate around free speech in the UFC, following a recent anti-LGBTQ rant by MMA fighter Sean Strickland that was defended by UFC president Dana White.
The lack of accountability for homophobic remarks in the UFC has raised concerns among fans and advocates for LGBTQ rights. The sport has a history of controversial statements and actions, and many are calling for more stringent measures to address and prevent such behavior in the future.
Overall, Bisping’s latest incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding LGBTQ representation and acceptance in the world of mixed martial arts. It highlights the need for greater awareness, education, and accountability in combat sports to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all athletes and fans.
