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Rockhold calls out Bisping on Twitter

ESPN staff
May 29, 2013
Luke Rockhold was knocked out by Vitor Belfort on his UFC promotional debut © Getty Images
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Luke Rockhold has shrugged off his underwhelming UFC debut and set his sights on a showdown with Michael Bisping.

Rockhold, who was knocked out by Vitor Belfort in the first round of his promotional debut at UFC on FX 8, has sparred with Bisping in the past, leading to some residual bad blood between the duo before the former Strikeforce champion made the switch to UFC.

Rockford is keen to settle the score after Bisping claimed 'unofficial' Strikeforce champion status following a training bout. "Let me put it like this," Bisping said in November 2012. "I've sparred with Luke Rockhold recently and let's just say I'm the unofficial Strikeforce champion. Sorry Luke, but these are the facts."

Rockford has now joined the UFC stable and despite his debut defeat is the No. 7-ranked middleweight, with Bisping at No. 4.

"@bisping You don't have an opponent, I don't have an opponent, you talk s*** about 'practice', I say we set the record straight once and for all," Rockford wrote on Twitter.

But Bisping refused to take the bait, replying: "@LukeRockhold @danawhite I say you go and win a fight in the UFC then we can talk."

Bisping may be forced to reconsider his response if he is intent on getting a shot at champion Anderson Silva, however.

With No. 3-ranked Yushin Okami likely to match up against No. 5 Ronaldo Souza in the near future, the Briton will need a victory over either Rockford or No. 6-ranked Costa Philippou to keep himself in the conversation for a title shot.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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