After callout, Michael Bisping open to fight with UFC 172 winner Luke Rockhold

Even after a defeat, Michael Bisping is a preferred opponent for many UFC middleweights. But it appears “The Count” has found one he’d like to fight.

After Luke Rockhold (12-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) quickly dismantled and choked out Tim Boetsch (17-7 MMA, 8-6 UFC) this past Saturday on UFC 172's pay-per-view main card in Baltimore (watch the Rockhold vs. Boetsch video highlights), the former Strikeforce champion mentioned two potential opponents: Vitor Belfort (who delivered Rockhold his first UFC loss this past year) and Bisping, a frequent target of post-fight callouts.

For his part, Bisping is game.

So @LukeRockhold called me out. I'm more than happy to oblige. At least he will fight not try and dry hump me. @ufc let's do this!—
michael (@bisping) April 27, 2014

Bisping (24-6 MMA, 14-6 UFC) returned from a yearlong layoff and suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Tim Kennedy (18-4 MMA, 3-0 UFC) earlier in this month in the TUF Nations Finale headliner.

Currently, Rockhold is ranked No. 6 and Bisping is No. 11 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings. And though UFC matchmaker Joe Silva prefers to match up winning fighters with winning fighters, exceptions are sometimes made, especially with bigger names and top contenders.

For now, though, both 185-pounders await their next assignments.

For more on UFC 172, stay stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.