Reebok’s new sponsorship deal with the UFC kicks in at the beginning of July. UFC fighters have had plenty to say about the deal, much of the concern revolves around the fact that many will be taking significant pay cuts as a result of the deal.

While never rising to the point of champion – or even title challenger – Michael Bisping (26-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) has been a star with good drawing power for the UFC for years.

Bisping spoke to MMAjunkie about the deal and, while admitting that it will impact his financial bottom line, thinks it will be a good thing for the sport.

“Listen, we all want more money,” Bisping said. “Of course we do. A lot of fighters are going to call me a company man and this and that. But the UFC has always been very fair with me. They’ve been very fair. (UFC President Dana White) and (UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta) have always treated me with great respect and I can’t thank them enough. Of course with this Reebok deal – I can’t lie – I’m going to lose money. But it will also be a much more professionally run thing.

“Of course my figure that I earn is cut down a little bit. But, at the same time, I don’t have to deal with these companies that don’t pay. There’s one company in particular that owes me $50,000. I’m not going to say because I’m trying to get paid by them. I’m not going to throw them under the bus fully just yet. I’m about to. If a check doesn’t come through. You know who you are. I think, if you use your brain, people could figure that one out if you look at my t-shirts I’ve worn in my previous fights.”

Eliminating shady sponsors and providing the sport with a better overall look outweighs the cuts that many fighters will take in pay in Bisping’s mind.

“The level of professionalism in the sport is going to go to another level,” he said. “So, yeah, there is some negatives, but I’m sure that’ll level itself out in the future.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.