The UFC will review post-fight comments made by Colby Covington in the Octagon last night at UFC Fight Night 119 in Brazil. Covington has issued an “apology” of sorts but the comments show the line between gimmick and insensitivity.
Covington earned a victory over Demian Maia and proceeded to call the Brazilian crowd “animals” and Brazil a dump. UFC exec David Shaw noted that they were not very happy with Covington’s comments.
Covington issued an apology of sorts:
My formal apology for #ufcsaopaulo @ufc pic.twitter.com/cwS7OTGK99
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) October 29, 2017
Of course, Covington is not employed by the UFC if that who he is referring to in the tweet. As we know, UFC fighters are independent contractors.
Covington noted that the crowd was hostile toward him and it appears that his comments were made in retaliation. It is not the first time an American has received less than hospitable greeting from a Brazilian crowd. Also, it is not the first time that a UFC fighter has made racially insensitive remarks. Conor McGregor had made derogatory remarks about Jose Aldo and Brazil. Whether or not he realized it, McGregor also made racially driven comments about Nate Diaz and Floyd Mayweather. During his feud with Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen made remarks about Brazilian kids “playing in the mud.”
Payout Perspective:
Covington’s comments are not uncommon which is an issue the sport must address. If you want to be a professional, you have to handle yourself accordingly and I assume under the new ownership they will want their fighters to act like a pro. This would mean not responding to taunts from fans and understanding what is correct and what is not correct in making comments. While a portion of this may do with inciting a reaction, there is a fine line that a professional must know without going over the line. Moreover, you have to realize your place in the company. While a McGregor may have more of a rope with his comments, Covington is not a known name. I would expect the UFC to address this situation with some sort of sensitivity training.
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