UFC 127 – Michael Bisping wanted a bigger name than Jorge Rivera, promises to “beat the hell out of him”

UFC middleweight Michael Bisping has been speaking his mind regarding his upcoming showdown with Jorge Rivera at UFC 127 on February 27^th and the British contender had some explosive words for his confident opponent who he feels is getting ahead of himself in a big way.
MMAmania.com reports that Bisping spoke to M.E.N. News about the fight in Sydney, Australia and had some harsh words for ‘El Conquistador’ who has been vocal about his chances in the co-main event of the night. ‘The Count’ explained that he wanted to face a bigger name opponent in Australia and that Rivera is talking up his own chances, saying:

“I was expecting a big name opponent after [the Akiyama] win. I’ve been in the UFC for five years almost, which is an achievement in itself, and was hoping to step back up in class to push my case for a UFC Title shot in 201 So the name ‘Jorge Rivera’ didn’t exactly send a surge of excitement through me, put it that way.”

“Rivera has won his last three – all by KO – and everyone in the UFC is at least a top 25 guy in the world, but at first I wasn’t much for the fight. All of a sudden he thinks he’s a tough guy smart talker. Oh, okay Jorge. But before he makes a proper fool of himself I think he needs to look closely at the people he’s been beating, and ask himself why he’s been beating them.”

“He hasn’t beaten anyone as good as me. I’m not saying he’s not dangerous, he can obviously punch and will have a war, but I’m surprised he’s been talking the way he has. We’re talking about a guy who’s got submitted by a welterweight kick-boxer, but the way he talks he’s Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee’s lovechild. He’s not in my class and I am going to show him all about it next month. But feeling embarrassed will be the last of his worries because I’m going to beat the hell out of him.”

While Bisping does have a point regarding the choice of opponent at UFC 127, the Wolfslair Academy stalwart will know that he cannot underestimate Rivera if he wants to continue his ascendance of the rankings in the UFC middleweight division. With both fighters itching to go at it in Sydney, we can be sure of an explosive collision in the co-main event of ‘UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch’. Stay tuned to MMABay for all your breaking news from the world of mixed martial arts.