Cung Le plans 2014 return, eyes Michael Bisping, Wanderlei Silva
SINGAPORE – Former Strikeforce champion Cung Le turns 42 years old this year, but he’s not done fighting. In fact, not only does he see himself returning to the octagon in 2014, but the San Shou expert believes he’ll likely fulfill the three fights left on his current UFC deal.
“I plan to be back this year – 2014, baby,†Le (9-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) said Friday in Singapore. “I’m going to come back and throw my spinning wheel kicks and spinning back kicks and get them throws back on the map again. So don’t worry. I’ll be back.
“I take one fight at a time, but I have three fights left on my contract, and I plan to get all those fights done.â€
Le hasn’t fought since November 2012, when he scored a thrilling knockout win over former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin. He was briefly linked to a potential fight with British banger Michael Bisping, but UFC President Dana White pulled Le from those plans so the former Strikeforce champ could serve as an advisor on “The Ultimate Fighter: China,†which is currently airing on Liaoning Satellite TV in China.
But Le hasn’t forgotten about “The Count†and thinks that may still be a viable matchup.
“Before I got to be part of ‘The Ultimate Fighter: China,’ we were in talks to fight Michael Bisping, and Dana flew me out and said, ‘Hey, I need you to be the mentor-coach and be me in China for the show,’†Le recalled. “That was a great opportunity, so I was able to wear several hats on the show. Hopefully after this media tour, I’m going to get back into the gym and train like a fighter and see where I’m at.
“I would love to fight Michael Bisping. One, he loves to fight. He comes to fight, and I come to fight, and I think that would just be a great fight for the fans. I’m open, but that will be top on the list.â€
And if Bisping isn’t available, Le has another idea, as well: Wanderlei Silva, the man who beat him in a “Fight of the Night†performance at UFC 139.
“I want a rematch against Wanderlei, definitely,†Le said.
Silva is just beginning filming of “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3†opposite Chael Sonnen, and those two are expected to meet in a light heavyweight fight this summer.
Meanwhile, “TUF: China†wraps on March 1 with a recently announced live finale in Macau. Le’s return would likely take place later in the year.
