Fabricio Werdum will do outreach in the LGBTQ community as a result of a tirade at a UFC 216 Media Lunch last week with Tony Ferguson. Werdum used a homophobic slur directed to Ferguson during a confrontation with the UFC lightweight. As a result, the UFC has issued a statement expressing its disappointment with Werdum.
The UFC released a statement (via MMA Fighting):
The UFC organization is disappointed with recent comments made by Fabricio Werdum at a promotional event in Los Angeles. The nature and implication of his comments do not reflect UFC’s views and will not be tolerated, no matter the manner in which they are used.
We acknowledge and appreciate that Fabricio has since apologized to the organization and to anyone he may have offended with his words. As high profile athletes, role models, and global ambassadors of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, athletes under contract with UFC are required to abide by the Athlete Conduct Policy. Given his breach of this policy, Fabricio has agreed to perform community outreach within the LGBTQ community in Las Vegas, taking steps to enact change and make a direct impact within the community.
Tony Ferguson & Fabricio Werdum got into a heated argument at the #UFC216 Media Lunch 😳. Stay tuned for story on https://t.co/uu3K3IQYju pic.twitter.com/kNK1nEwVC0
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) September 28, 2017
Werdum attempted to apologize himself explaining away his comments:
Maricon is common word in the Spanish culture and I do not mean to offend anyone in the LBG community and if I did I’m apologetic #heeyy
— Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) September 29, 2017
Payout Perspective:
Regardless of Werdum’s explanation, he should understand that this is not the gym and he has to carry himself like a professional. Getting into a heated argument with someone not even in your division makes no sense and has no payoff. Not only does Werdum look bad, but he created a public relations issue for the UFC which won’t do him any favors with the UFC.
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