It’s not much fun having 20,000 fans chant “Bisping is a wanker”
At my last appearance Down Under I was booed heavily at Acer Arena at UFC 110 and I’m still clueless…
At my last appearance Down Under I was booed heavily at Acer Arena at UFC 110 and I’m still clueless as to why.
I didn’t really agree with some of the things they were saying and directing at me during my bout against Wanderlei Silva and a lot of it left a bad taste in my mouth.
It’s not much fun having 20,000 fans chant “Bisping is a w—–“. After the fight, my manager told me about a few other chants some of the audience came up with and some of it was a bit below the belt. A few fans were getting quite offensive and a little personal and I don’t think there was any real need for it.
So, initially, I wasn’t in any rush to get back out there and fight again in Australia. Why would I be? Not only was I booed at UFC 110, the judges also said I lost my fight against Wanderlei. Even though I maintain I won that fight, the whole experience wasn’t exactly enjoyable for me.
At some point last year, though, I had a change of heart and wanted to give Australia another crack. This is another great opportunity to fight as co-main event in a great sold-out arena and I can’t wait for it. When the chance was finally offered, I jumped at it.
I don’t know why the Australian fans didn’t take to me first time around and, to be honest, I don’t really care. I had never said anything bad about them in the lead-up to the fight or disrespected one of their fighters. Perhaps they were all fans of Wanderlei and supported him because he’s a legend in the sport.
I didn’t lose too much sleep over it, but I don’t think I deserved the reception, either. In fact, given that my girlfriend is Australian, I was sort of hoping they’d be on my side over there. Turns out I was wrong.