UFC commentator Jon Anik apologizes for criticizing MMA fanbase: ‘I made some regrettable comments’

January 27, 2024 12:00 pm ET

Jon Anik has issued an apology to the MMA fanbase.

The UFC play-by-play commentator took to Instagram on Saturday to apologize to MMA fans for his comments expressing his frustration with the way some have reacted following UFC 297 last weekend. Anik aired his frustration with the community and the attacks some fans have been dishing out regarding Sean Strickland’s close defeat to Dricus Du Plessis.

“Last week on my podcast, I was in a heightened emotional state following myriad allegations of bias at UFC 297 and I made some regrettable comments relating to the MMA fan base,” Anik wrote on Instagram. “While I was surprised at the extent to which my comments were re-purposed and sensationalized, I need to be more responsible on an n open microphone.

“So much work goes into the execution of just one UFC pay-per-view, so it can be tough when my integrity on the broadcast is called into question. That doesn’t excuse my retort. I am just a fiery, passionate, flawed, empathetic guy and sometimes my emotions lead the dance. To those MMA fans whom I’ve offended, I am sorry. That was not mu intention. For 12 years, I’ve prided myself on being accessible to the fan base, and that will continue. I’ve learned a lot over the last 48 hours. On to Anaheim…”

Anik’s comments following UFC 297 caused a big reaction in the MMA community, with many coming to his support, while others criticized his words – including Strickland.

Strickland lost his UFC middleweight title in the main event of UFC 297 in Toronto. It was a competitive fight with some people scoring it in his favor.

Two judges scored the fight 48-47 in favor of Du Plessis, while the third scored it 48-47 Strickland’s way. Regardless of the result, it was a competitive fight where both fighters had their moments.

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