Despite the virtual stream of trash talk flowing from Jorge Rivera, UFC middleweight Michael “The Count” Bisping (20-3) isn’t concerned about his lack of rebuttal, he’d prefer to do all of his talking in the octagon when the two meet at UFC 127 later this month.
That isn’t to say that Bisping hasn’t been fired up by Rivera’s efforts to put him down, the Brit knows that his opponent is simply doing this to get his own name out there by targeting him. For “The Count” he feels that Rivera is past his prime and will collect on his “free pay-day” once the fight is over between the two.
Both men co-headline the upcoming Feb. 26 UFC 127: Penn vs. Fitch event in Sydney, Australia.
In an interview with the Independent, Bisping holds nothing back in this instance and really says whats on his mind.
I fought on the same card as him (Rivera) 6 years ago for Cage Rage. I would have kicked his [expletive] ass then. He’s an old man, and I’m in my prime. I’ve got better and he’s gone down hill…
The UFC made the match up, I could’ve turned the fight down but I’ve never turned a fight down in my life and I’m certainly not going to start turning down a fight with Jorge Rivera. I’ve fought a lot harder opposition than Jorge Rivera. This is a free pay-day for me. I’m going to be laughing all the way to the bank…
I’m always motivated for my fights no matter who the opponent is, I train for them like it’s a world title fight and this fight has been no different. Whether he is the nicest most respectful guy in the world or – as he is – one of the biggest assholes that I’ve ever faced in the Octagon, doesn’t really matter, the training will be the same.