• UFC 120

UFC not secretly supporting Brits in London - Zelaznik

A Michael Bisping defeat would see UFC 120 end on a real low for the local crowd at London's O2 Arena © Getty Images

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Marshall Zelaznik has brushed aside suggestions that the success of UFC 120 hinges on the success or failure of Michael Bisping and Dan Hardy.

There can be no doubt that British MMA crowds produce a unique football-like atmosphere on fight nights, and UFC president Dana White has grown to realise that local fighters guarantee a special mood inside UK arenas.

Shorn of the Randy Couture-like figure that the UFC's last English event boasted, it is Bisping and Hardy who carry the responsibility of giving the fans a good night in London on October 16. Bisping meets Yoshihiro Akiyama in the main event, and he already admits that he feels the pressure of having to perform.

Defeats for Bisping and Hardy, which is a conceivable scenario given the standard of their opponents, would surely see UFC 120 finish on an enormous low, but Zelaznik insists the UFC will not be praying for British victories on Saturday.

"It would be a disappointment for the likes of Dan and Mike if they lost, but as a company we're constantly looking for the best fighters and the best match-ups," Zelaznik told ESPN.

"So even though it'd be great from a British perspective for their fighters to be truly successful, I think everybody wants to see the best fighters. As a company, we're not looking at UFC 120 and getting disappointed if the British guys lose.

"The British fighters are taking some abuse these days so it's going to be interesting to see how things go in London. For the UK fan, this event is extremely important to see where UK fighters stand against the world's top talent."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.