Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has issued an apology following widespread criticism of comments he made about the death of former opponent Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson.
Arlovski faced Johnson under the World Series of Fighting banner in 2013, losing the contest by unanimous decision. However, during a recent interview with David Guttman, the Belarusian disputed the result before making a remark about Johnson, who died in 2022. “I still think I won that fight, but unfortunately judges gave to him victory,” Arlovski said. “But I win anyway, he’s dead, I’m alive.”
The comments prompted a backlash, leading Arlovski to issue a statement on Instagram on Saturday. “Anthony beat me in the Octagon. That’s a fact and I have nothing but respect for him as a fighter,” he wrote. “When I said that I was still a winner because I’m alive today – YES!!! I never meant that his passing was somehow my victory… That’s not who I am and that’s not what I believe.”
Arlovski, who revealed that he has battled cancer on three occasions, also suggested that a language barrier had contributed to the controversy. “English is my second language,” he explained. “Sometimes the words that come out of my mouth don’t fully express what’s in my heart or my head.” He added that he took responsibility for his remarks and apologised to those offended, particularly Johnson’s family and loved ones.
Johnson died in November 2022 at the age of 38 following complications associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and an autoimmune disease. During his MMA career, the American established himself as one of the UFC’s most formidable knockout artists and twice challenged Daniel Cormier for the promotion’s light heavyweight championship.
Arlovski, 47, most recently defeated Ben Rothwell at BKFC KnuckleMania 6 in February to capture the promotion’s heavyweight title. Concluding his apology, he reiterated that his comments had been misunderstood. “Anthony won our fight. Nothing will ever change that,” he wrote. “Cancer is not a competition. Death is not a victory. LIFE is the GIFT.”
