Michael Bisping had the opportunity to wrestle Tito Ortiz under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) banner, but the former UFC middleweight champion had to pass due to a bad neck.<\/p>\n
In case you\u2019re missing it, RAF has been steadily making strides in the world of combat sports. The freestyle wrestling promotion seems to be signing big talent every other week and staging some memorable shows. This includes big-time UFC talent like Khamzat Chimaev, Arman Tsarukyan, Merab Dvalishvili, Gable Steveson, Bo Nickal, and Michael Chandler. Not to mention retired stars like Colby Covington, Chris Weidman, Henry Cejudo, Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Tony Ferguson, and even Ben Askren<\/a>.<\/p>\n With so many big names in its stable, RAF needs a sizeable bankroll to keep operations going. As of now, it\u2019s been smooth sailing. The growing promotion has been able to offer up some pretty large purses to attract some of the biggest names in combat sports to the wrestling mat. In fact, some UFC fighters are making more money under RAF than they would competing inside of the Octagon.<\/p>\n Fortunately, RAF has also opened up a window of opportunity for aging fighters still looking to stay active. This includes the likes of Bisping, who was recently offered $500,000 to battle fellow UFC legend, Tito Ortiz. Bisping had to pass due to his current health, but it at least shows you the type of money RAF is willing to throw around.<\/p>\n