Rivera Still Waiting on Bisping Request, Believes KO Would Result

If Jorge Rivera gets to fight Michael Bisping at UFC 127 on Feb. 27, as has been rumored, he vows the bout will be one to watch.

“I promise you that I’m going to come to fight,” Rivera said last week on the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” show. “If Michael Bisping comes to fight, then we’re going to have a good fight. … I know it will make for a good fight. I think I can knock him out. I think I have what it takes to keep him standing and to knock him out.”

In particular, Rivera favors his power over Bisping’s.

“I don’t think he commits to his punches as much,” Rivera said. “I don’t think he hits as hard. I don’t think he’s committed to the striking as much. I think my pressure’s a little stronger and I commit to my punches more.”

Rivera began requesting the matchup after his Nov. 13 UFC 122 co-main event against Alessio Sakara was cancelled at the last minute. With his hands already wrapped, Rivera was visited by UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, who informed him that Sakara was sick and unable to fight.

UFC President Dana White later confirmed that Rivera received his “show” money and his win bonus despite the cancellation.

“They took good care of me,” Rivera said. “I really can’t complain.”

Rivera was also able to lobby Silva for a bout against Bisping.

“I was honestly thinking right away what would be a good fight for me, and I just thought that Michael Bisping would be a good fight,” Rivera said. “That’s why I asked for it.”

Proposing matchups has worked for Rivera in the past. He said he’s suggested his last three fights to Silva and got all of them. As for Bisping, Rivera said he was told it was a good fight and UFC brass would get back with him on it.

While he hasn’t received confirmation yet, Bisping recently released a video blog saying that he would be fighting Feb. 27 and that Rivera was a possible opponent. Rivera, meanwhile, is pushing for the fight to be finalized.

“I’m just making it clear,” Rivera said. “If he wants to fight, great. Let’s make it happen.”