UFC Quick Quote: Unlike 'Shogun,' Michael Bisping has never turned down an opponent

"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."

-- Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight top contender Mauricio Rua caused a bit of a stir in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world when he allegedly turned down a fight with up-and-coming prospect Glover Teixeira, stating that he had nothing to gain from the fight and that it was a "lose-lose." Michael Bisping told FUEL TV's "UFC Tonight" that "Shogun" may have accurately assessed that situation and even done the right thing. However, "The Count" was quick to point out that he, personally, has never turned down an opponent or chosen a fight (though he currently is doing his very best to "choose" a fight with current Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva). While Bisping didn't exactly throw "Shogun" under the bus, his comments also weren't a ringing endorsement for the former champion, either. In the meantime, Rua will be fighting Brandon Vera at UFC on Fox 4 in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sat., Aug. 4, 2012, and if he's able to mount an impressive victory, he will get the opportunity to win his belt back from Jon Jones, should "Bones" emerge victorious when he faces Dan Henderson at UFC 151 in "Sin City" on Sept. 1, 2012.