Rockhold, Bisping have fiery argument on 'UFC Tonight'
It didn't take long for tensions to brew between UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and his upcoming opponent, Michael Bisping.
On Wednesday, Bisping was chosen to replace an injured Chris Weidman in the main event of UFC 199 opposite Rockhold.
That evening's edition of "UFC Tonight" featured a segment with the men which rapidly broke down as the fighters took sly digs at each other.
It was Rockhold who threw the first shot, implying Bisping's recent dalliances with movie roles signal a transition into retirement. That set Bisping off and he reminded Rockhold of a training session years ago when he allegedly got the better of Rockhold.
The two actually officially fought in November 2014, a match Rockhold won by second-round submission.
"Listen, you know the first time I kicked your ass in training. Yes, okay, you got the better of me in that last fight but every fight is different," said Bisping. "You know this. Luke, don't understimate me pal, all the pressure is on you, mate. I'm coming in nice and loose, swinging, I'll be hard and fresh and I'm looking for your chin pal, and it only takes one so just be careful."
Bisping went on to diminish the importance of Rockhold's wins over Lyoto Machida, Costa Philippou, and Chris Weidman.
"I'm the first person you've fought that's a real fighter," said Bisping. "Machida? He just failed his drug test and he came off the juice prior to your fight, he looked terrible. Costa Philippou? Costa 'Phili-who?' No one even knows who that is, right? Weidman? I always knew he was too slow.
"Since me, you haven't fought a real fighter. Congrats, you got the job done on the night. You did, well done, and I take my hat off to you, I was beaten by the better man that night. But believe you me, every fight is different so don't expect that same performance. Don't come in too overconfident pal, because I'll make you pay for it."
Rockhold didn't seem impressed by his opponent's bluster nor his 10-year journey to a UFC title shot.
"It's his destiny, right? That's what he calls it? His destiny is to be my bitch," said Rockhold. "It's your destiny to be my little bitch."
The two continued to trade insults until Rockhold removed himself from the interview, with Bisping still hurling invective.
UFC 199 takes place June 4 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.