UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has revealed he was completely blindsided by his own son’s mixed martial arts debut this past weekend. Callum Bisping, 24, stepped into the cage without his father’s knowledge, winning his first professional fight as he begins his journey to carve out a legacy distinct from the former middleweight champion.
Speaking on his “Believe You Me” podcast, Bisping shared the surprising story in detail. “I’m embarrassed to say, I had no idea,” Bisping admitted. “He kept it a secret. I found out the day before, at breakfast. I was shocked.” You can hear Bisping discuss the situation in the full podcast episode here. The revelation underscores Callum’s clear desire to step out of his father’s considerable shadow and earn his own recognition in the sport.
A Debut Forged in Secrecy and Wrestling Pedigree
Callum’s decision to go it alone speaks to his independent mindset. Before transitioning to MMA, he built a solid foundation as a wrestler, competing in NCAA Division 2 for San Francisco State University. That pedigree was on full display in his debut, where he utilised his grappling to control the fight and secure a decisive victory on the judges’ scorecards.
“He won, he looked good,” a proud yet surprised Bisping said on the podcast. “He’s got the wrestling, he’s tough, and now he’s got that first win.”
Following a Legacy, Forging a New Path
The Bispings now stand at the threshold of joining a very exclusive club in UFC history: father-son duos who have both competed in the promotion. Only a handful of families, like the Coutures, share this distinction.
For Callum, the immediate goal isn’t the UFC spotlight, but continued development. By starting his career discreetly, he has avoided the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with the Bisping name, allowing him to grow at his own pace.
What’s Next for Callum Bisping?
With the secret now out and a successful debut in the books, the path forward is clearer. Michael Bisping, who provides expert analysis for the UFC, will undoubtedly offer guidance, but Callum’s journey will be his own.
“He wants to do this himself, and I respect that,” Bisping concluded on the show. For MMA fans, it marks the intriguing beginning of a new chapter in a storied fighting family, one where the son is determined to write his own story.
