UFC 78: Evans vs. Bisping The Controversy

At UFC 78: Validationon Saturday, November 17, in Newark, NJ, TUF winners Michael Bisping (14-0) and Rashad Evans (10-0-1)* will meet in a light heavyweight gladiator showdown.

This fight will mark the first time in UFC history that two TUF winners will meet in the octagon to determine who the true Ultimate Fighter is. On top of this, they will both put their unbeaten records on the line.

So why are some MMA fans unexcited for the matchup?

Within a few hours of the announcement by the UFC, internet MMA fans started protesting for a variety of reasons. Some took offense to the fact that Dana White was reported to have said there would be a rematch between Bisping and his UFC 75opponent, Matt Hamill, right after Bisping's controversial split decision win. For those who don't know, many cited this win to Bisping being favored as the hometown fighter.

Likewise, Rashad Evans is coming off a controversial draw with Tito Ortiz at UFC 73—many were under the impression that a rematch would take place as soon as possible. Others simply feel that Rashad Evans vs. Michal Bisping is not a main event PPV caliber fight.

However, much speculation can be given to why this matchup will occur. First, following UFC 75, Matt Hamill announced he had received an injury he would leave him sidelined, at least for a little while. Maybe UFC matchmaking did not want to sideline a marketable figure like Bisping while waiting for Hamill to recover.

It is interesting to note that, of the three judges that scored their original bout, the two Americans gave the victory to Bisping while the British judge scored the fight in favour of Hamill. Hometown preferential treatment? More like a flaw in the judging system.

I urge my fellow MMA fans not to be too harsh on Bisping. Although it appears he lost, he is still a young, cocky, up-and-comer who does not want to admit he was beaten.

Second, in regards to Rashad Evans and Tito Ortiz, it could be that UFC management did not see much profit in a rematch as their first meeting was considered disappointing by many.

In my opinion (which I state most cautiously now that I've seen how readers react to opinions different than their own) MMA fans should just wait it out.

Hamill was cheated, but it will not be long before he gets his day of redemption. Dana can only ignore the complaints for so long. Look at the Spencer Fisher-Sam Stout battles. Spencer lost a controversial decision in the first fight, so he was given his rematch, which he won at a UFN earlier this year.

In both cases, the fights were all-out wars—Dana cannot deny the marketability of a rematch. Also, if we have learned anything about Tito Ortiz, it will not be long before he starts taunting Rashad about not being able to beat him, ensuing a rematch.

Until then, just sit back and enjoy watching some light heavyweight warriors battle it out.

*These are Sherdog fight records. UFC sometimes gets in the habit of beefing up their fighters' records.