WATCH: “Can I ask him about steroids?” PFL commentator is going viral for joking about fighter using banned substances live on ESPN broadcast

PFL commentator sparks controversy with a steroid joke while speaking on a live-microphone.

WATCH: “Can I ask him about steroids?” PFL commentator is going viral for joking about fighter using banned substances live on ESPN broadcast

PFL commentator Sean O'Connell jokes about steroids (Image via: Instagram)

PFL has made inroads to the top of the MMA game with the acquisition of Bellator. The company made improvements in its production quality but still lags in promotion. However, at the recent event, Sean O’Connell, the PFL commentator, made a grievous mistake that went viral on social media.

Rob Wilkinson, an ex-UFC fighter, won via TKO in his fight against Simon Biyong. After the victory, O’Connell said something jokingly that he should not have said on the broadcast. The PFL is very much behind the UFC in promotion and production. O’Connell’s mishap can attest to that.

Can I ask him about his steroids … where he got 'em?
Sean O’Connell at PFL 2 2024
YouTube video

Wilkinson’s only two losses in MMA were in the UFC, one of which came at the hands of Israel Adesanya. In the PFL, he has an undefeated record, but there is a black mark. The Australian tested positive for elevated Testosterone to Epitesterone ratio after he defeated Thiago Santos at PFL 1 2023.

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The decision, later changed to a No Contest, effectively removed him from the tournament. Wilkinson was not the only fighter who tested positive at the event. Will Fleury, who defeated Krzysztof Jotko, tested positive for Drostanolone. Hence, O’Connell’s reference to the steroids did not put PFL in a good light.

MMA community reacts to PFL commentator’s ill-timed joke

Sean O’Connell, the PFL play-by-play commentator, is no slouch. After all, the ex-UFC light heavyweight won the PFL light heavyweight tournament in 2018. Moreover, he has garnered praise for his commentary. However, his recent ill-time joke about steroids has garnered controversy. This happened after Rob Wilkinson, a fighter who previously tested positive for doping, won the fight.

PFL commentator Sean O'Connell
PFL commentator Sean O’Connell (Image via: Instagram)

Nonetheless, see how fight fans reacted to O’Connell’s ill-timed joke below.

https://twitter.com/ZayPaid6700/status/1778984333044490444

Despite the controversy, the PFL 2 2024 was an exciting event, with only a single fight going the distance. All the fights on the main card did not even get past the second round. 4 out of 5 fights in the prelims, with only one going to the third round.

In the main card, none of the fights went past the second round. Wilkinson was at the card’s co-main event. In the main event, Impa Kasanganay won via TKO against Alex Polizzi. Clay Collard also did the same against Patricky Pitbull. Sadibou Sy lost via TKO to Josh Silviera as he injured his finger. Despite the positive results, fans have only highlighted O’Connell’s comment about the steroids.

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