• UFC 127

Bisping denies illegal knee and spitting accusations

Michael Bisping utterly refutes claims he spat at Jorge Rivera's corner following victory at UFC 127 in Sydney © Getty Images

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For exclusive reaction, including Michael Bisping's analysis of his victory over Jorge Rivera, don't miss the first edition of ESPN's new Ultimate UFC Podcast on Wednesday

Michael Bisping has completely rejected the accusation that he deliberately kneed Jorge Rivera in the face when the American was grounded at UFC 127, and he also denied spitting at Rivera's coaches post-fight.

Bisping stopped Rivera by TKO in Sydney, but only after he was docked a point in the opening round for driving a knee into the face of his rival when Rivera had both knees on the mat. The Briton was in total control of the fight prior to the knee, but that did not stop Rivera's camp issuing a statement on the illegal blow.

"The knee was illegal and flush on the face," read the statement from Alchemist Management. "But instead of taking a dive and possibly the win, Jorge fought on."

Bisping responded in the post-fight press conference: "Just one classless move after another, I suppose. The knee certainly wasn't on purpose. You get excited in the heat of the fight. He was getting up off the ground, I had him in a Thai clinch, I was waiting to time it. I got a little over-excited and I pulled the trigger too early. It happens quite a lot. It's a fast moving sport. I certainly didn't mean to do it and I was very glad the fight was able to continue. No one wants to see a fight won or lost in that fashion."

Bisping was clearly seen spitting at the end of the bout, but he is adamant that he was not spitting at Rivera's coaches, who had insulted him in the build-up.

"Not at all, I was spitting at the floor to let them know what I thought of them," Bisping told MMAFighting.

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