Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
The notion is not just false, ladies and gentlemen, it’s patently false.
That’s the word from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) play-by-play man, Jon Anik, who found himself under fire for the commentary provided in the Cristiane Justino vs. Felicia Spencer co-main event at UFC 240, which took place last weekend in Edmonton.
As most mixed martial arts (MMA) fans are aware by now, “Cyborg” was competing on the final fight of her UFC contract and was hoping to secure an Amanda Nunes rematch with a victory over the previously undefeated “FeeNom,” but had to battle negative press from her own promoter in the process.
Did Dana White and Co. order the commentary team to bury Justino?
The notion that there is some promotional initiative to push one fighter over another is patently false and absurd,” Anik wrote on Instagram. “I have called 140+ shows for the UFC and never once have I been given a directive like this.”
Justino is currently engaged in unfriendly negotiations with UFC for a potential 2020 return; however, other promotions are undoubtedly lining up for the chance to snag the potential free agent, including former boss, Scott Coker.
Anik’s broadcast buddy, Joe Rogan, has yet to respond after “reaching a new low.”