The O2 Arena has just finished wrapping up UFC 286 as an event for the ages. Leon Edwards had the last laugh over rival Kamaru Usman in the main event, thus making him 2-1 over the Nigerian. However, in what seems to be an expected arrival of events, the MMA community is roaring about a disappointing broadcast performance, specifically at the expense of Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier.
The Arena reached deafening levels as Leon’s name was announced as the winner of his razor-close fight with the former champion. As always, the Brits showed up to support their hometown boy and it was all worthwhile in the end. With the gracious presence of fans and celebrities alike, the atmosphere last night was second to none.
Justin Gaethje is an absolute warrior 😤 #UFC286
(h/t @codyshannon1287) pic.twitter.com/wgaXD4b1nP
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 19, 2023
Bisping, per fans, was audibly pushing for Leon to win despite attempting to sound unbiased in his commentary. Fans noticed a very similar vibe from Cormier as well who kept praising Kamaru and his wrestling game the whole fight. The duo has been a part of the broadcast team and has been serving as analysts for the promotion for some time now.
Justin Gaethje took issue with Michael Bisping's "biased" commentary during the #UFC286 main event.
"[He] shouldn’t have been nowhere near a microphone during that fight… I just thought it was very unprofessional." pic.twitter.com/Cn3CUdhRbm
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) March 19, 2023
It is worth mentioning that Justin’s long-time coach Trevor Wittman took Usman under his wings not too long ago. Justin and Kamaru have been friends and training partners ever since. Either of the duo always appears to be by the other’s side whenever one of them has a bout scheduled. Another elite athlete sharing the gym is the former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.
During the post-fight presser, Justin took astonishing shots at the Fall of Famer and his lopsided commentary. When asked about his training partner Kamaru’s loss, the 34-year-old didn’t skip a beat before sharing,
“Yeah, I mean I thought he won the fight. But, I’m probably as biased as the judges. Certainly not as biased as Michael Bisping. He shouldn’t have been nowhere near a microphone during that fight. Yeah, sucks. I just thought it was very unprofessional.”
Fans react to Michael Bisping and DC’s biased commentary
Soon after Leon was crowned as the undisputed welterweight king, fans took over to their social media to express their sheer disappointment in tonight’s commentary. Some appear to side with the former middleweight champion, while others see no issue with what Daniel had to say on the mic tonight.
It was unbelievably biased, and I like Bisping
— beans (@dmitrywagstaff) March 19, 2023
DC was Bias too. Oh and by the way, no way you won your fight 👍
— tomhanson (@tomhanson51) March 19, 2023
DC was throating Usman 24/7.
— DeathMetalPigeon (@DethMetalPigeon) March 19, 2023
It was a wrestling circle jerk between DC and Bisping. Props to @Jon_Anik for keepin the train is the rails for as long as he did.
— Twan (@RichHomi3Twan) March 19, 2023
Bisping was bad tonight but why is he acting like dc wasn't riding usman bad
— ᴋᴜᴍᴀ🐻 (@berserkkumaa) March 19, 2023
What about dc it went both ways
— Stevie (@steviecbeanz) March 19, 2023
Sooner UFC fires Bisping the better
— Ultimate Fact Champion (@mlodyg1) March 19, 2023
What do you think of the broadcast team and their commentary at UFC 286? Let us know in the comments down below.
