Michael Bisping vs Kelvin Gastelum Targeted For UFC Shanghai Main Event

Just as one legend falls off the UFC Shanghai fight card, another steps up to take his place.

MMAFighting.com are reporting this evening that former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping (30-8) will replace Anderson Silva in the main event of UFC Shanghai and fight Kelvin Gastelum (13-3 1NC).

According to MMAFighting report, the UFC are expected to announce the bout shortly. MMANytt.com have also confirmed with sources close to both camps that the fight has been verbally agreed and will be signed imminently.

Bisping is coming off the back of a loss to Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217 where he submitted in the third round of the main event. Prior to dropping the title to St-Pierre, Bisping had won the belt back in June 2016 when he fought and defeated Luke Rockhold on just eleven days notice at UFC 199 in California. Bisping then went on to defend the title once against his rival Dan Henderson at UFC 204 in Manchester, England.

The Brit was suspended for 30-days following his bout with St-Pierre, however, Bisping can be cleared to fight if he is able to secure a note from a doctor to provide him clearance.

Gastelum is coming off a loss to Chris Weidman who defeated him back in July at UFC on Fox 25. Prior to his loss to Weidman, Gastelum had his win over Vitor Belfort overturned to a no contest after he test positive for marijuana in his post-fight drug test.

UFC Shanghai will take place on Nov. 25 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.