CLITHEROE cage fighter Michael Bisping has hit out at impostors pretending to be him on social networking websites such as Facebook and Myspace.

There are numerous accounts set up in his name but he says none of them are actually him and he doesn't want his fans to be conned.

The 'Count', 29, shot to fame in the UK and America after winning The Ultimate Fighter - a reality TV show where mixed martial arts fighters compete for a $1m Ultimate Fighting Champ-ionship contract - in 2006.

Since then he has become a firm fans' favourite and he says a number of people are being a bit naughty' by taking advantage of this online.

"It's flattering in a way but it is also frustrating," the father of two, who went to St Augustine's RC High School, Billington, said.

"There are quite a few of these fake sites on Myspace and on Facebook and a couple of other networking sites.

"But I do not have an account with any of those sites and it does annoy me."

One fake Bisping on Facebook has added almost 1,600 friends from across the world and the site features hundreds of messages of support for Michael.

The real Michael, who will fight Canadian Jason Day at the 02 Arena on Saturday, said: "I really appreciate the support of all my fans.

"It's the fans that make this sport what it is as they are so passionate and really get into it which gives us an extra incentive to do our best.

"I know they are sending messages and photos to these fake sites but I won't see any of them.

"I'm also worried in case they are sending personal information.

"The only site I have is my website - www.bisping.tv - and people can contact me through that.

"If they send messages to me there I will respond to those. And it will be me - not a random person or some weirdo stalker - that answers."

Myspace and Facebook are social networking sites which help users to communicate with their friends, family and co-workers.

Users create a personal profile then add online friends who they interact with through messages, blogs and various additional applications such as games.

Between the two sites there are 176 million users signed up.