Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero Pay Tribute to Michael Bisping Following His Retirement

UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and top ranked contender Yoel Romero both verbally sparred with Michael Bisping over the years but they each had a kind word for him after his retirement earlier this week.

Whittaker was actually supposed to face Bisping back in 2015 but the former ‘Ultimate Fighter’ winner was forced out of their fight due to injury.

Meanwhile, Bisping and Romero were embroiled in one of the nastiest feuds in recent memory with plenty of harsh words being shared between them over the years.

Still as Bisping retires from the sport, Romero let all the animosity go while paying tribute to the former champion on Thursday.

“I pray for him, for his family [that] he has a great life after the fighting industry and a proper life,” Romero said.

As for Whittaker, he actually took it one step further when addressing Bisping by admitting that he’s actually happy he never had to face off with the outspoken Brit.

As it turns out, Whittaker was a closet Bisping fan and the reigning king at 185 pounds always appreciated his die hard attitude no matter where he was at during his career.

It was that very attitude that helped carry Bisping into a title fight on less than two weeks notice and proceed to knockout Luke Rockhold to become champion in 2016.

“I think he’s a true warrior. I really do,” Whittaker said. “He’s done it all. He’s lost, he’s won, and he’s become champion. He’s a true test of endurance and determination. I really do. I think a lot of people can learn a thing or two watching his career. In terms of fighting him, there’s a lot of respect in terms of wanting to fight each other, there would have been a lot of respect and a lot of honor but I’m happy not to have fought him just due to the fact that I’ve always liked him.

“If I’m going to be honest with myself, I was a bit of a fan of his to be honest.”