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Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, who was among the trio of commentators for UFC 286, got called out for bias by a top lightweight contender.
During the post-fight press conference, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who picked up a win against the No. 6 ranked contender Rafael Fiziev in the co-main-event, blasted Bisping for being biased toward Leon Edwards in his fight against Kamaru Usman.
'The Highlight' stated his dissent with 'The Nigerian Nightmare's' loss, saying:
"I thought he won the fight. But I'm probably as biased as the judges. [But] Certainly not as biased as Michael Bisping. He shouldn't have been nowhere near a microphone during that fight. Yeah, [it] sucks... I just thought it was very unprofessional."
Fight fans also chimed in on Twitter, giving their take on Bisping as a commentator. Twitter user @funnykeithlyle questioned 'The Count's' credibility as a commentator, saying:
"Bisping is the worst announcer the UFC uses."
Another user @VIVEKRE34701784 supported the former middleweight champion, opining that Edwards clearly won the fight.
Check out a few more fan reactions below:
However, when quizzed by the press about whether he thinks the UFC should avoid employing commentators who have affiliations with fighters who are competing on the card, Gaethje stated that such calls should be taken by the promotion and not him.
At UFC 286, Edwards successfully defended his welterweight title against former champion Usman via a majority decision.
Since retiring from the sport, Michael Bisping has become a regular presence in the UFC commentary booth. He also works as an analyst in a plethora of UFC-related programs and content.
Bisping was even part of the commentary booth of Dana White's new slap-fighting venture, Powe Slap. Apart from these, 'The Count' also boasts a rather successful YouTube channel where he discusses all things MMA.
UFC 286: Justin Gaethje says he has one more title run left in him
Justin Gaethje is one of the most beloved UFC fighters. Aptly referred to as 'The Highlight', the American has delivered fireworks whenever he steps inside the octagon.
However, a UFC championship has eluded him till now. The 34-year-old came close to capturing UFC gold twice but ultimately faltered during both of his title fights.
In his maiden lightweight title shot at UFC 254, the American was submitted in the second round by lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. In his second title fight against Charles Oliveira, 'The Highlight', once again succumbed to a submission loss, this time in the first round.
However, Justin Gaethje is taking one more run at the title. During his octagon interview at UFC 286, he said:
"I'm taking one more run at the title but I ain't going to be around much longer. So, I'm so glad you guys got to enjoy this with me. Thank you, guys."
Catch Justin Gaethje's comments during the UFC 286 post-fight interview below:
