by Michael Bisping is on the mend after undergoing double neck surgery on Tuesday.
The former UFC middleweight champion says he has suffered “insane agony” over the past 18 months, including “headaches and massive discomfort.”
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Bisping has fought in the UFC an incredible 29 times since his debut 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.
The following year he ceded the belt to one of the UFC’s greatest fighters, Georges St-Pierre, and was knocked out by Kelvin Gastelum in his final MMA fight just 19 days later.
“Double neck surgery today, hopefully a success,” Bisping said on Instagram.
“It was 18 months of insane torture. Headaches and massive discomfort. I had a disc replacement six weeks ago that didn’t bring any relief.
“Hopefully the two mergers will get the job done today.”
Bisping has suffered a number of serious injuries while competing as an MMA fighter.
Just three years before winning the Rockhold middleweight belt, he went blind in his right eye.
The injury was caused by a fight-ending headbutt from Vitor Belfort during the two’s fight in 2013, which caused Bisping to detach his retina.
But the man from Clitheroe, Lancashire, later struggled through six operations, even after doctors kept telling him to retire.
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“Without Rebecca I wouldn’t have made it through the last 18 months [Bisping] by my side,” Bisping added in a separate post.
“Physically it was tough, but the mental battle was a much bigger battle.
“Hopefully this is a thing of the past now, but still cry for me. Please join me in wishing Rebecca Bisping a happy birthday.
“Not the best way to spend her special day, but she is so selfless and supported me through this arduous journey. Full energy Bisping back soon! Thank you Rebecca!”
Past and current UFC stars were quick to send their best wishes to the MMA icon.
Former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson said, “Heal quickly, bro,” and current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis added, “Good luck, bro.”
Legendary UFC commentator Bruce Buffer responded: “Best wishes for a 100 percent recovery.” You’ve got that Michael! Warrior spirit forever!”
Former bantamweight titleholder TJ Dillashaw said, “Good luck, my man,” while women’s bantamweight star Kayla Harrison added, “Pray up!”
Bryce Mitchell, Renato Moicano, Marvin Vettori, Urijah Faber, Colby Covington and Brian Ortega also sent their best wishes to the former champion.
