A UFC fighter has been accused of racism after he made a controversial comment about his Chinese opponent following their bout.
UFC star Cody Durden has been accused of Sinophobia after he made a controversial comment following his win over a Chinese opponent at UFC Vegas 43 on Sunday (AEDT).
Appearing on the preliminary card, the American won a hard-fought bout against Qileng Aori via unanimous decision — his first UFC win in three attempts.
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Speaking to MMA legend Daniel Cormier in the Octagon immediately after the victory, Durden said of Aori: “I knew he was going to be tough but I had to send him back to China, where he came from.”
Durden was slammed on social media for his remarks but appeared to double down on them later during his post-fight press conference.
“No, if they don’t like it, do something,” he said.
“Signed the contract, it doesn’t matter to me. I said what I said. It is what it is. Emotions were high. It’s the fight business, you know.
“He was punching me in the face and I was punching him in the face. It’s his family or mine and tonight my family eats.”
When asked if his comment was intended to have any racial connotations, Durden replied: “No, no man. It’s all good.”
The 30-year-old then took to social media in an attempt to explain why he made the comment regarding Aori.
“Listen, the guy was disrespectful, and wouldn’t shake my hand at the weigh ins,” Durden tweeted.
“After beating him, I simply meant he could go home wherever that may have been.
“I apologise if I offended anyone, that certainly was not my intention!! I love you all! See you at the top. @ufc”
UFC fighters and fans were quick to denounce Durden’s post-fight speech.
Scottish-Australian UFC fighter Casey O’Neill tweeted: “F*** CODY DURDEN! Racism is never cool POS #ufcvegas43”.
“I don’t like Cody Durden racist comment in his interview,” MMA fighter Muhammad Mokaev said.
“Should I smash this guy for my UFC debut?”.
MMA writer Tom Taylor added: Cody Durden with an all-time stupid post-fight interview.
“Maybe keep the mic away from that guy for a while.”
MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter tweeted: “And Cody Durden loses any good will that he may have earned after saying that he wanted to “send his opponent back to China”.
“Not a good look at all.”
Originally published as ‘Send him back to China’: UFC fighter slammed for comment
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