Michael Bisping Says He Made Rookie Mistake During UFC Fight Night 84

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Michael Bisping spoke about almost losing at UFC Fight Night 84 due to what he calls a “rookie mistake”. He was in a fight with Anderson Silva and his mouthpiece came out. As he tried to adjust it, Silva hit him with a flying knee. Silva began to celebrate over a knockout he didn’t get, and eventually the fight resumed. Bisping went on to win by unanimous decision.

On the knee he took from Silva: “I looked away. I made a rookie mistake and Anderson pounced.”

On his mouthpiece being dislodged: “I’m not sure if it was a punch or whatever it was, my mouthpiece went flying. Of course, this was a well-discussed matter. Was I at fault or was the referee at fault. I know there has to be a break in the action, but it’s how do you define a break in the action. For my part, I was backing off, Anderson was coming after me. There were no blows being exchanged.”

On Silva celebrating prematurely: “Listen, the fight went on. I was down, I was not out. Herb Dean made a very good call, it took courage for him to make that call Anderson was trying to steal the victory, kind of like at the end of the fight you put his hands up in the air to try to claim victory and influence the judges. Anderson was doing that, he knew what he was doing, he’s a seasoned pro. He knew I wasn’t out, anyway. I went to the floor. I was talking to Herb Dean, I’m like hey I’m good.”