The difference for me is that the belt was disrespected, and yeah i would have been okay with it as one of the greatest of all time came to fight the man who had the most ufc wins ever in ufc history at a heavier weight class. But with GSP pushing for the belt the division was delayed, i am sure Bisping would defend the belt if GSP had just came for him so he would know that big fight was always there (wishful thinking I know). It’s left a sour note and I can see why a guy like Luke Rockhold stayed out for longer simply because even if he won a big fight his effort for a title shot is not guaranteed when it should be. He saw Whitaker and Romero be shafted for this
Ok, I see your point but GSP did not shaft Romero. Bisping could have fought Romero instead of Henderson. As far as I knew, Bobby knuckles was injured and out around the time that GSP was being talked about so no delays there.
The company knows that nobody really gives a shit about Rockhold and he lost to Bisping recently anyway. Romero had lost to bobby knuckles already and if he got the shot coming from that loss and beat bisping then yet another rematch which actually would not be that bad but to get an interim title shot and lose then to get a title shot would be weird also. Jacare lost as well and moose left. The company figured it fit and really on paper it did.
As far as holding up the title goes we have to consider that if the fight was non title then Bisping would still need all the time required whether the belt was on the line or not. He should not be expected to vacate the belt to persue the fight with GSP. That has never been done before. As far as GSP now holding up the division, well, he has not had the belt for very long at all. Some champions only defend a couple times a year and he has not had the strap for even 3 months yet. If he decides not to defend the belt then he will move on soon and Whittaker can fight whoever they feel should get the shot for the real belt, no time really lost.
People were mad at Bisping for sitting on the belt and trying to finish off his career with a few fights he would like to have. Now I see the anger shifting toward GSP who is a very recent champion, as if he should be fighting again next weekend. We should wait to see what he decides to do and be realistic about the time frames.
Guys like Rocksalt can cry all they want but in reality, he got ktfo and in the meantime if he is as good as he says then why not fight Romero, it's not his turn yet. He had it and lost it, wipe off the tears and earn it back. I have not heard a peep out of Whittaker or Romero and respect that.
I personally think GSP is too small to be at mw for any length of time and should move back down. If Dana does not hold him out on the issue then I would imagine GSP will make the announcment sooner rather than later.
If people really care as much as they say then everyone should blow Dana up on social media telling him to let GSP drop back down so we can get things moving and not hold him out on the clause. That is a win for everyone except the GSP haters who look for any excuse to complain. Just my opinion. And I do respect the belt.