Former UFC champion Michael Bisping is returning to Manchester in December – with heavyweight prospect Tom Aspinall among his special guests.
Bisping (pictured above with wife Rebecca) will be appearing at the 02 Apollo on December 16, where he will be joined by Wigan’s Aspinall and Scotland’s Paul Craig, both current top UFC contenders.
Following the successful tour in October 2021, ‘Tales from the Octagon 2’ will see the former champ further detail his storied career which saw him become the first British UFC champion, winning the middleweight championship with just one eye.
Taking to social media to announce his return, Bisping said: “This was the epic turnout for tales from the octagon in Manchester. Can’t wait to come back later this year.”
Despite being born in a British military base in Nicosia, Cyprus, Bisping fought out of Manchester and represented the city in each of his fights.
Aspinall, one of the guests for the show, is also from the Greater Manchester area, fighting and training out of Wigan for his career so far.
The 30-year-old is widely regarded as the UK’s next big prospect in the UFC – the world’s premier Mixed Martial Arts competition – and tipped by many as the top contender to win the heavyweight title.
Boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury recently echoed this having recently sparred with Aspinall (below), saying: “I think he can do it. He’s big enough, he’s got the power, he’s a black belt in jiu-jitsu. If anyone can beat Jon Jones, it’ll be Tom Aspinall. Nobody else.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe pair will also be joined by Craig, who has recently just had his first main event fight booked for November 18 against no.9 ranked middleweight Brendan Allen. Speaking on the ‘Believe You Me’ podcast, Craig said: “I loved the last tour so to be a part of the second one, I’m buzzing.”
‘The Tales from the Octagon 2’ tour will also see the trio in London on Thursday, December 14, with tickets for both events going on sale on September 26.
