MANILA - Indie actor Kiko Matos on Tuesday insisted that he was "in the right" when he punched former matinee idol Baron Geisler during their altercation at a bar in Quezon City last May 26.

Matos, in an interview on "Tonight with Boy Abunda," said he ordered Geisler, who wanted to perform at the fund raising event, to "step down" from the stage.

"Me and my friends were telling him to step down. And then on the mic, he told us to get out of the bar. He was saying foul words and we didn't like it, so I stood up. And when I did that, I got Baron Geisler's attention," he said.

Matos also claimed that he was then provoked by Geisler. "Gusto ko lang talaga ipakita kay Baron na huwag niyang gagawin iyong mga ganoon kaya binigyan ko siya ng isa."

In a video posted on Facebook, Geisler was seen trying to shake hands with Matos, when the latter suddenly punched him. The two were then restrained by onlookers.

Geisler told ABS-CBN News in an earlier interview that he did not know why Matos approached him, and that he was only trying to defend himself. He also alleged that the indie actor was harassing a bartender --a claim that Matos denied.

"I stood for what I think was right and to let him know na hindi puwede iyong pagaasta niya. Kumbaga sabi nga nung mga tao, nakahanap siya ng katapat. Naghanap lang ako ng lakas ng loob para tapatan siya," Matos furthered.

Matos, however, said that he is willing to end his row with Geisler.

"I can settle with him peacefully. I can step down and say sorry, but if he's gonna continue how he acts then I'm gonna let him know, 'Bro, you gotta change yourself," he warned.

The Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) on Monday invited Matos and Geisler to settle their rift "inside the cage."

According to the URCC, both actors agreed to the invitation and set the fight at the Palace Pool Club on June 25.

(FULL STORY: Baron, Kiko Matos to settle rift in URCC cage)