Michael Bisping’s comments about frosty relationship with Conor McGregor came out of absolutely nowhere

Here's a rivalry we weren't really expecting.

Apparently, two of the top contenders for 2016's Fighter of the Year don't get along. UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping is undoubtedly a polarising figure, using his acerbic tongue to garner a lot of attention. Admittedly, his often controversial comments mean that as many people tune in with the hope of seeing him lose as those who long for him to prove the doubters wrong yet again and have his hand raised. In general though, 'the Count' has had nothing but praise for Conor McGregor. He famously shut down his co-host's attempt to remove 'the Notorious' from the FOTY debate and he had very positive things to say about the proposed meagafight against Floyd Mayweather on his Believe You Me podcast.

"It’s a chance for Conor McGregor to become the greatest fighter of all time. It really is, because he did amazing in the UFC, and now … if he wants to take out perhaps one of the greatest boxers that ever lived, that would be something. That would be incredible and you can’t deny it.”

https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_UK/status/842733414319083520 However, later on in the episode, Bisping dropped a somewhat surprising comment suggesting that McGregor not only dislikes him, but actually hates him.

"I don't want to spend too much time talking about Conor... because he hates me. (laughs)"

The UFC stalwart was reluctant to explain his supposed frosty relationship with McGregor, and quickly changed the direction of the discussion.

"You know, we have a weird relationship, so we'll move on and we'll switch gears."