On April Fool’s Day, several sports figures, including Michael Bisping and Tyson Fury, participated in playful hoaxes, with announcements like Bisping’s fake return to fighting and Fury’s claim to become the next James Bond.
Michael Bisping, the legendary fighter, remains deeply connected to the world of MMA. But, don’t hold your breath for his return to the octagon anytime soon.
On April Fool’s Day, Cage Warriors—Bisping’s former promotion—pulled a fast one. They cheekily announced that Bisping was ending his retirement to challenge middleweight champ Dario Bellandi. Classic prank!
April 1st is notorious for such shenanigans in sports news. Tyson Fury claimed he’d be the next James Bond, while Ben Askren joked about returning to collegiate wrestling at 40. Iowa Hawkeyes, here he comes? Not quite.
And if you’re curious about more eye-popping—or maybe just eye-rolling—pranks from this year, we’ve got you covered. Check out the highlights (or lowlights) below.
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BREAKING NEWS
Michael Bisping’s Back! And He’s Coming for the Middleweight Crown!UFC & CW legend @Bisping is out of retirement for a comeback fight against Dario Bellandi
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors)
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Ben Askren had his fun too. The NCAA supposedly granted him another year of eligibility. Wrestling fans, don’t get too excited!
The @NCAA has granted me 1 more year of eligibility and @Hawks_Wrestling offered me a bag!!! So pumped to wrestle one more year and try to win a 3rd hodge
— Funky (@Benaskren)
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Meanwhile, Renato Moicano and Gilbert Burns are set for a catchweight bout at UFC 315… or are they? This one’s as real as the Easter Bunny.
BREAKING: Renato Moicano set to face Gilbert Burns at UFC 315 for a Catchweight Bout.
Moicano took the picanha bet personally, and now there is bad blood.
— Show Me the Money Podcast (@showmethepod)
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ONE Championship tossed their hat into the ring with news of a tag-team mixed-rules fight. Rodtang and Anatoly Malykhin vs. Superlek and Reug Reug—sounds wild!
Game changer History will be made with ONE’s first-ever tag-team mixed-rules fight when Rodtang and Anatoly Malykhin collide with Superlek and Reug Reug! Who you got in this insane showdown?
Full breakdown in the comments ⬇️
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship)
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Boxing retirements were also in vogue. DeenTheGreat hinted at leaving boxing behind for new ventures on Kick. Is it true though?
Honestly I see no need in still boxing professionally with my injuries.. especially with the money and platform I’m building on kick ..I’m sorry to all I’ve let down in the boxing world & appreciate all the support you all have given me through the years .. I’m officially…
— DeenTheGreat (@DeenTheGreat)
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Finally, Turki Alalshikh bid farewell to boxing fans with an emotional message. Or did he? April Fool’s strikes again!
Dear fans,
Today marks our final day in boxing. I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey with me.
To my dear friends scheduled to fight on the London and NYC cards, I apologize for the time and effort you put into training camp. I wish you the best of luck in…
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh)