Jon Anik backs down on recent comments, issues apology to MMA fans
After his comments about the UFC 297 main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis weren’t received well by some fans, Jon Anik lashed out and insisted his time in the sport may be coming to an end.
While many sided with the veteran commentator, others hit back at him for the remarks he made about fans. The 45-year-old hinted at a move to the NFL and labeled MMA supporters ‘the lowest common denominator’, which he later retracted.
Following the comments, Jon Anik released a statement and apologized for what he said while on his podcast. The UFC’s lead play-by-play man took the entire blame for his reaction, insisting he was emotional at the time.
“Last week on my podcast, I was in a heightened emotional state following myriad allegations of bias at UFC 297,” Anik said in response to fans. “And I made some regrettable comments relating to the MMA fan base.”
“While I was surprised at the extent to which my comments were re-purposed and sensationalized, I need to be more responsible on an 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 broadcast is called into question. That doesn’t excuse my extort.”
Anik continued in his heartfelt message to fans and apologized to anyone who may have been offended by his words.
Related: Sean Strickland ROASTS Jon Anik over leaving MMA comments
“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 my 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.”
It wasn’t only the fans who took offense to Anik’s earlier comments. Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland lauded the supporters for sticking up for themselves.
Strickland claimed that without those fans, Jon Anik wouldn’t receive a paycheck and he ought to treat them with a little more respect.
It now seems the commentator is attempting to put the unnecessary war of words behind him and continue delivering memorable performances in the UFC booth. As stated by the man himself, on to Anaheim.
https://www.mmaweekly.com/news/jon-anik-backs-down-on-recent-comments-issues-apology-to-mma-fans
