Michael Bisping responded to criticism from Justin Gaethje regarding an alleged bias towards Leon Edwards at UFC 286.
‘The Count’ was on commentary instead of Joe Rogan as the popular podcaster and comedian no longer travels out of the country for UFC events. It also made sense to have Bisping on commentary being the only British-born UFC champion until seven months ago when Leon Edwards shocked the world with his ‘kick heard ’round the world‘ against former titleholder Kamaru Usman. However, not everyone was excited to hear Bisping call the fight on Saturday night.
Following his three-round war with Rafael Fiziev in the evening’s co-main event, Justin Gaethje accused Bisping of being blatantly biased towards Edwards, his countryman, as he was calling the UFC 286 main event trilogy fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.
GAETHJE GETS IT DONE 👏 @Justin_Gaethje #UFC286 // @UFC pic.twitter.com/pJ5AHQLF9I
— Monster Energy (@MonsterEnergy) March 19, 2023
“I thought (Usman) won the fight,” Gaethje told reporters at his UFC 286 post-fight news conference. “But I’m probably as biased as the judges. (I’m) certainly not as biased as Michael Bisping. He shouldn’t have been (anywhere) near a microphone during that fight. Yeah, it sucks.”
Of course, Gaethje is undeniably biased as Usman and himself often train together in Colorado and are represented by famed MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz.
“I just thought it was very unprofessional (from Bisping),” Gaethje concluded.
Michael Bisping Has ‘Admiration and Respect’ for Kamaru Usman
In response to Justin Gaethje’s accusations, Michael Bisping’s broadcast partner John Anik and a Twitter user named Doug Bear came to the former middleweight champion’s defense on social media.
I listened to the commentary during the fight and Gaethje has no basis for his opinion! From before the fight, during the fight he was very non-bias. After you could see he was jubilant and happy as he should be for a fellow Brit! This win was legendary and huge. Bisping was good
— Doug Bear (@d_dg28) March 20, 2023
Bisping responded to the user’s comment, thanking him for the support and sharing his thoughts on the matter.
“Thanks Doug. I always only call it as I see it. And you have to celebrate the winner, regardless of who it is,” Bisping tweeted. “Can’t be sad someone didn’t win. Winner in all cases must be celebrated. And I have huge admiration and respect for Usman as a fighter and person. A true gentleman.”
Thanks Doug. I always only call it as I see it. And you have to celebrate the winner, regardless of who it is. Can’t be sad someone didn’t win. Winner in all cases must be celebrated. And I have huge admiration and respect for Usman as a fighter and person. A true gentleman. https://t.co/kOaQoAP2Fn
— michael (@bisping) March 20, 2023
Do you believe Michael Bisping exhibited bias while calling Saturday night’s main event or was ‘The Count’ simply doing his job? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
