WATCH: Debut fighter puts Dana White’s company in trouble by dropping homophobic slurs on ESPN targeting Australian fans at UFC 293
The prelim bout winner went on a f-slur bomb after securing his first win in the UFC octagon.
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Charles Radtke drops f-slur bomb at UFC 293 (via Imago)
UFC 293 headed to Sydney, Australia, after three back-to-back PPVs in the US. The prelim bout featuring welterweights Mike Mathetha and Charles Radtke kicked off the first controversy of the night. The fight had some good action but did not stand out until the post-fight interview. Following the victory, Charles Radtke had some unusual choice of words during the interview with Daniel Cormier.
Radtke used the f-slur aimed at the crowd in Sydney. Daniel Cormier showed his uncomfortable side and cut short the interview quickly. The f-word slur or slurs of any kind remain prohibited on ESPN broadcasts of any event. Dana White will likely respond in anger during the UFC 293 post-fight press conference. This interview might have landed in another controversy in the law book of Sydney.
MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter went on X (formerly known as Twitter) to simplify the controversy’s details. He pinned screenshots of the Anti-discrimination laws in New South Wales, Sydney. The anti-discrimination laws state that public acts that result in inciting hatred remain against the law. Homosexual vilification also comes under this law.
The statements of Radtke certainly discriminated against the LGBTQ community. It remains to be seen if the law enforcement in Sydney chooses to prosecute the UFC welterweight. Radtke secured a huge win at UFC 293. However, in the company’s view, his conduct might have put him in a bad light.
Charles Radtke issues apology after UFC 293 f-slur bomb
The laws in Sydney strictly prohibit homosexual vilification. After heading back to the locker room following his win over Mike Mathetha at UFC 293, Radtke learned about the law. Since then, he issued an apology on Twitter.
He stated that his comments were not a reflection of who he was. He cited the pressure of fighting and his dreams as a reason for using such a language. Radtke stated that he would learn from the mistakes and correct them. He also revealed that he was not prejudiced against anyone and loved everyone regardless of their beliefs.
An apology is a good way to repent one’s actions. It remains to be seen how the UFC and Dana White would respond to the controversy. Nevertheless, the start of the PPV had a hugely controversial moment.
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