UFC 127 Results and Reaction: Michael Bisping Crumples Jorge Rivera

Before their fight at UFC 127, Jorge Rivera roiled MMA's corner of the Internet by verbally taking Michael Bisping behind the wood shed. 

In Sydney on Saturday night, it was Michael Bisping's turn to make waves.

The Count nearly lost the fight after throwing an illegal knee strike, but recovered to finish Rivera by TKO at 1:54 of the second round.

With 2:10 remaining in the opening frame, Bisping struck Rivera's head with a knee as Rivera knelt in front of him. It is against UFC rules to knee a downed opponent.

The referee stopped the action and asked Rivera if he was fit to continue. Rivera said he could, even though the word "no" would have earned him a victory by disqualification. The referee deducted one point from Bisping and the contest resumed.

In the second round, Rivera landed a hard right on Bisping, but by and large appeared sluggish. Bisping connected with a straight left that pushed Rivera back against the fence. Rivera immediately covered his face, offering only token resistance as Bisping hammered him to the mat and forced the stoppage. 

Afterward, Bisping followed a dazed Rivera to Rivera's corner and offered what appeared to be unsolicited commentary on Rivera's performance.

After the fight, Bisping (21-3 overall, 11-3 UFC) apologized for "losing control."

"I got a little worked up, and he touched a few nerves," Bisping said. "He talked so much [manure], and I'm a sensitive guy."