UFC fighter Tony Kelley has denied using racist language while in the corner at last night's show in Las Vegas.
Kelley was advising partner Andrea Lee in her fight against Vivane Araujo when he was overheard saying: "That’s what they’re going to do. They’re dirty f******* Brazilians. They’re going to f***ing cheat like that. Guess what? We came to f*** somebody up.” Kelley was immediately criticised by fighters on social media but has since claimed he is a victim of "cancel culture".
"Cancel Culture is real. What I said was real and in the heat of battle, and in no way had any type of racist connotations meant," he tweeted. "But if that’s the way you take it, I don't give a f***. So many people quick to say racist... that s***'s getting so old. My reference was to a dirty eye poke."
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE
Kelley is due to return to action next month when he takes on Adrian Yanez at a UFC Fight Night event in Texas on June 18. But he faced a backlash on social media with fighter Dudu Dantas saying: "This is what happens when your corner has a shrimp brain. A real idiot!"
UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns offered Yanez a bonus if he finishes Kelley in their summer meeting. "My guy Yanez, get a finish on your next fight and I will send you an extra money," he wrote. Yanez himself responded to the incident by saying: "Not a good look. Already wanted a finish, but now it'll be more satisfying."
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Araujo went on to beat Lee on points but the fight was overshadowed by Kelley's comments. The Brazilian was later taken to hospital as a precaution and did not address the media or discuss the alleged comments in her opponent's corner.
Araujo's victory was her first in 16 months after having to wait a year to return to the cage following her points defeat by Katlyn Chookagian. Araujo had ben due to return to action in January but saw her scheduled bout with Alexa Grassa cancelled.
