UFC on FOX 4: Michael Bisping Takes a Sly Shot at Mauricio “Shogun” Rua

With UFC on FOX 4 just days away, brash Brit Michael "The Count" Bisping took an underhanded swipe at Mauricio "Shogun" Rua for turning down a fight with Zuffa newbie Glover Teixeira—he both commended and criticized his actions in equal measure. Via MMAMania.com, Bisping told FUEL TV’s UFC Tonight:

"

I have asked for higher fights a couple times. I can kind of understand why Shogun Rua feels the way he does being a former champion. And Glover Teixeira is an amazing fighter, but he is not a household name like Shogun. Glover has everything to win in this situation, but Shogun has to look at what the gains are for him. I am not saying I would choose my fights, but I sympathize with them. We are not in the habit of choosing our fights, the UFC makes the fights. I have never turned down an opponent.

"

Now are they or are they not the characteristics of a weasel (or is that Wiesel)? Bisping recently employed the term to make comparisons to Chris "The All-American" Weidman.

Rua is slated to throw hands with Brandon Vera in the main event of UFC on FOX 4, a fight that could determine whether he gets the opportunity to vie once again for the 205-pound crown.

With that in mind, had the 30-year-old Muay Thai specialist opted to take on Teixeira instead (Rua’s assumption was he had nothing to gain from that fight), it’s highly doubtful he’d been in this present and lucrative position.

In hindsight, it was a good judgement call by the Brazilian.

That said, Lyoto Machida and Ryan Bader are also in the running for a shot at the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson, but as UFC president Dana White recently stated, only the most impressive victor of the aforementioned gets the right of first refusal.

Regarding Bisping, he’s in the hunt for a tilt at the 185-pound belt currently held by Anderson Silva.

Assuming he gets past Brian Stann at UFC 152, there’s every chance it might be in the offing.

UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera is scheduled to take place on August 4, 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

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