Michael Bisping is on the mend after undergoing double neck surgery on Tuesday.
The former UFC middleweight champion says he has endured ‘insane agony,’ including ‘headaches and massive discomfort,’ for the past 18 months.
Bisping is a pioneer of British MMAGetty
Bisping fought an incredible 29 times in the UFC since debuting on The Ultimate Fighter in June 2006.
‘The Count’ won the middleweight title by knocking out Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in 2016, before defending it against Dan Henderson four months later.
He dropped the belt to one of the UFC’s greatest fighters in Georges St-Pierre the following year and was knocked out by Kelvin Gastelum in his final MMA bout just 19 days later.
“Double neck surgery today, hopefully a success.” Bisping said on Instagram.
“It’s been 18 months of insane agony. Headaches and massive discomfort. I had a disc replacement six weeks ago, which provided zero relief.
“Hopefully the two fusions today get the job done.”
Bisping has gone through his fair share of serious injuries while competing as an MMA fighter.
He became legally blind in his right eye only three years before he won the middleweight belt from Rockhold.
The injury stemmed from a fight-ending head kick thrown by Vitor Belfort in the pair’s 2013 bout, which caused Bisping to suffer a detached retina.
But the man from Clitheroe, Lancashire, fought on six surgeries later, even after doctors had continuously told him that he should retire.
Bisping now regularly features as a UFC pundit and commentatorGetty
“I couldn’t have endured the last 18 months without Rebecca [Bisping] by my side,” Bisping added in a separate post.
“Physically it’s been tough but the mental struggle has been much more of a battle.
“Hopefully this is a thing of the past now but anyway cry me a river. Please join me in wishing Rebecca Bisping a happy birthday.
“Not the best way to spend her special day but she’s so selfless and supported me through this arduous journey. Full energy Bisping back soon! Thank you Rebecca!”
Past and present UFC stars were quick to send the MMA icon their best wishes.
Former light heavyweight champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson said: “Heal fast bro” and current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis added: “Good luck brother.”
Legendary UFC commentator Bruce Buffer replied: “Best wishes for 100 per cent recovery. You got this Michael! Warrior Spirit Forever!”
Former bantamweight title holder T.J. Dillashaw said: “Good luck my man,” while women’s bantamweight star Kayla Harrison added: “Prayers up!”
Bryce Mitchell, Renato Moicano, Marvin Vettori, Urijah Faber, Colby Covington and Brian Ortega also sent their best wishes to the former champ.
