Mounir Lazzez Pressed By Reporter For Connection To Alleged Irish Mob Boss Daniel Kinahan

Lazzez's post-fight interview has sparked controversy after he heaped praise on an alleged mob boss.

Mounir Lazzez
Mounir Lazzez - Image via @mounirlazzez Instagram
  • Mounir Lazzez paid tribute to alleged Irish mob boss Daniel Kinahan following his UFC Vegas 51 win
  • “Sniper” was pressed about his connection to Kinahan.

Mounir Lazzez successfully secured his second UFC win by securing a unanimous decision win over Ange Loosa at UFC Vegas 51 this past weekend. However, his win wasn’t the only reason why he’s making the headlines. Much of it was because of his post-fight interview in which he made a dedication to alleged mob boss Daniel Kinahan.

“My brother, Daniel Kinahan”

In his octagon interview with Daniel Cormier, Lazzez paid homage to Kinahan, a boxing promoter who is also believed to be a key figure in the Kinahan criminal organization. The UFC welterweight referred to the alleged crime boss as his “brother,” who has played a huge role in his soaring MMA career.

“I would love to thank my coaches and my brother, Daniel Kinahan,” Lazzez said. “Without him, I would never be the man that I am today and to my career to this point. Thanks a lot.”

Lazzez continues to praise Kinahan

According to the 34-year-old, Kinahan has been a “friend” and an “adviser” to him but he’s not aware of his alleged criminal activities, including the sanction placed on the boxing promoter.

“That man is a friend and adviser,” Lazzez said in the post-fight press conference. “He’s the one who picked me up every time that life kick me down. He’s a real man of his word. He’s the one who teach me what does it mean, family, a real friend. It’s someone I cannot thank him enough for what I am today and who I am today. He teach me the real manner. He teach me how to be responsible in my family and my friend. That’s why I said that, all the credit and shoutout to him.”

Kinahan is wanted by the U.S. government

Five days before Lazzez’s UFC Vegas 51 fight, the Treasury Department has offered a reward up to $5 million for anyone who could provide information about Kinahan. Kinahan was sanctioned by the U.S. Government for allegedly sourcing large amounts of cocaine to South America. 

MMA reporter Alan Dawson would press Lazzez about his connection to the alleged mob boss and quiz him on his knowledge regarding his criminal activities.

“No, I don’t know that,” Lazzez said when asked about the sanction on Kinahan. “…I think I’m here to entertain people and I give credit to whoever deserve credit. I’m not involved in this kind of stuff. I don’t know about it. I will investigate.”

Reporter Continues To Press Lazzez

The reporter would mention that the Irish police said that anybody in combat sports who continued to work with Kinahan would be involved in a criminal network. 

“I don’t follow this kind of news,” Lazzez responded to the reporter. “I focus on the sport, I focus on my family. I focus on entertain[ing] people. That is most important.”

The reporter would continue to press Lazzez about his relationship with Kinahan: “There’s people online who think you’ve undone your win by shouting out Daniel Kinahan…”

The media member would be interrupted by a coach of Lazzez’, who shouted at him for asking questions. 

“Why shout out Daniel Kinahan if he doesn’t want to talk about Daniel Kinahan?” the reporter responded to the coach. 

Lazzez was uneasy about this and refused to answer further questions about his friendship with the alleged mob boss. 

“Any other question, please… if you can get me question about my fight, please. 

The UFC Welterweight had hung up his gloves when it came to talking Daniel Kinahan.

Published on April 18, 2022 at 10:22 am
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