By Chamatkar Sandhu
I mentioned in my article yesterday that Matt Brown could be in for some serious repercussions regarding his comments on women’s MMA and the following joint statement from both Brown and UFC says it all:
“Matt Brown has apologized for the comments made on his podcast, and we have addressed the matter with him. His comments don’t reflect the views of the UFC. There’s no place for discrimination within our organization at any level. The UFC is built on principles of respect, and any statements to the contrary are not acceptable.”
“I have spoken with the UFC about the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and what is required and expected of me as a professional athlete under the terms of my promotion agreement. The UFC has a policy of inclusion and respect for all people and I understand the importance of being more aware of my actions and words.”
Why fighters continue to make ‘school boy errors’ when the sport continues to reach new heights, wider audiences and mainstream acceptance is beyond me. In the past fighters have been warned, fined and even fired for making derogatory remarks about the sport as well as subjects outside the sport. Since the comments were made as well as the backlash and public apology Brown has since taken the podcast down.
Sara McMann who faces Ronda Rousey in the main event of UFC 169 next month for the women’s bantamweight championship weighed in on Brown’s comments:
“I want to make it absolutely clear … I do not care if somebody wants to be a fan or not. Don’t pay $60 then. Nobody’s taking their top off. I don’t even know him. Why would I give a crap what he thinks about my fight? You know what, Matt Brown fight in a Speedo.”
Let’s hope this is the last UFC fighter to make a silly comment which could harm the UFC as well as the fighter’s future but given the history it’s only a matter of time before someone else on the UFC roster has a brain fart.
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