• UFC 127

White admits Bisping 'is in trouble'

Dana White is likely to protect the image of the UFC © UFC

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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

UFC president Dana White has confirmed Michael Bisping will face punishment for his UFC 127 antics, although he is yet to reveal what action the Briton will suffer.

Bisping has been attacked on two fronts by the US media following his victory over Jorge Rivera, firstly for delivering an illegal knee and then for allegedly spitting in the direction of Rivera's coach Matt Phinney. The Wolf's Lair fighter had been angered by Phinney's role in the pre-fight videos created to mock Bisping's family.

It is unlikely Bisping will suffer any punishment for the knee, which happens on a fairly regular occurrence in the heat of battle, such as when Anthony Johnson did likewise to Josh Koscheck. The Briton has claimed he did not strike a grounded Rivera on purpose, and it is impossible for the UFC to prove otherwise.

However, the spitting controversy, regardless of where it was aimed, is unlikely to be tolerated by White, who works overtime to protect the UFC's image. A suspension of any great length is hugely unlikely, with Bisping expected to fight in the summer against Chael Sonnen, but the Briton can expect some action by the UFC.

Commenting on the illegal knee, White was quoted as saying by ESPN.com: "It absolutely looked intentional. He walked over to the corner and I said, 'You hit him with a knee. You're not supposed to. Listen, I don't care how much you don't like a guy, you don't start doing stuff like that.'

"Even after the fight, these guys are all emotional? I'm pretty sure it's over now. That stuff drives me crazy.

"He won tonight and he won impressively. Let's face it, you can hate Bisping but he came in tonight and beat Jorge Rivera. Rivera knocks people out and he hit Bisping with some good shots. Bisping took them and ended up finishing the fight. You have to give him his respect. Whether you don't like him or not, you have to respect the guy."

White later told Fighters Only: "He is in trouble!"

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