Michael Bisping answers fan question about accepting special "disability benefits" due to having one functioning eye
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has addressed a fan's question regarding his eligibility for disability benefits due to his permanently blinded right eye.
Bisping's vision in his right eye deteriorated significantly following a brutal knockout loss to Vitor Belfort in 2013. Despite this setback, Bisping went on to have a successful eleven-fight run, culminating in a championship victory over Luke Rockhold in 2016.
In a recent social media exchange, a fan inquired whether Bisping qualifies for disability benefits due to his impaired vision.
The fan asked, writing:
"I’m not trying to be a d*ck and I know that you can work, but do u qualify for disability benefits because of it? Like can you get a monthly stipend for it?"
Bisping took the question in stride, replying with humor. He revealed his doctor had suggested a disabled parking permit for easier access. In his response, the UFC commentator wrote:
"My doctor actually suggested a disabled badge so I can park and get on planes easier haha. I said, I workout like a monster every day. I’m good thanks 😂"
Check out the social media exchange below:
When Michael Bisping admitted to cheating medical exams to fight
In a past interview with MMA Junkie, Michael Bisping revealed a troubling secret from his fighting career. Bisping confessed to cheating on pre-fight medical examinations to get clearance to compete.
According to Bisping, he constantly worried about failing the mandatory medical tests, which require a minimum corrected vision of 20/200. In the interview, 'The Count' said:
"My vision [in my right eye] was pretty much non-existent since 2013," Bipsing said. "I was just about able to scrape past the medicals. It was definitely touch and go. I was always terrified of doing a full training camp, then being turned away by the commission doctor."
The UFC Hall of Famer added:
"It was difficult. To pass the medical test, you’ve got to have 20-200 vision, which is classed as clinically blind anyway, so it’s not very good – it’s not a very hard mark to pass. Some days I could, some days I couldn’t. But fortunately, I was just able to scrape by."
Check out Michael Bisping's comments below: