JacksonWink MMA explains why there was no apology offered.
A Photographer Mark Aragon is a staff member at the Jackson-Wink MMA Academy made some headlines by posting some offensive comments following UFC 219 event while referring to Cris Cyborg as a “dude” and a “man.”
“This dude is tough as hell! That being said at the press conference he said Holly was the first one to make his nose bleed! You are my hero @hollyholm see you back in the gym,” Aragon wrote, in an obvious attempt to slight the Cyborg.
Aragon’s post triggered backlash online, with several media members and MMA fans taking him to task for his words about Cyborg. Aragon received a media credential for the UFC 219 event to take pictures.
Cris Cyborg who had defeated former bantamweight champ Holly Holm via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 219 and crowned UFC women’s featherweight championship.
Cris Cyborg demanded an apology for the post, on Monday Brazilian, took to social media.
“It is not acceptable for an official representative of @hollyholm @jacksonwink_mma to call me transgender following my Fight. Their official photographer was given a backstage credential to attend the @UFC and I expect an apology or their ability to get credentials for future UFC events to be affected by these actions.”
I want an apology @JacksonWinkMMA I was nothing but respectful to @hollyholm and your team @ufc @Mickmaynard2 https://t.co/W31JOxGtlq
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) January 1, 2018
It was an unpleasant post, especially coming from a major fight camp and in position to represent that camp publicly. But it doesn’t mean that team JacksonWink MMA is looking to apologize for Aragon’s remarks.
Meanwhile, this afternoon JacksonWink MMA posted their side of the story on Facebook while also disavowing the language used.
“In response to our media person’s recent Instagram remark about Cyborg, there is a backstory as to why he made his comment. After Cyborg’s victory, she was heard backstage by our media guy calling Holly a “Bi#%h” and laughing at a photo depicting her own toe in Holly’s eye. They were heard mocking Holly’s performance. Our media guy was defensive of our fighter and space and he used Cyborg’s past history of steroid use, in a knee jerk, response. We were unaware of all the backstage talk and his response on a public forum until yesterday. He regrets putting JW in this position. We don’t condone putting others down. Congratulations to Cyborg and her team and we look forward to a rematch.”
On Monday afternoon, Aragon had posted his apology, trying to explain why he used the offensive language.
“I am embarrassed by my actions and I sincerely apologize to @criscyborg and her friends, fans, and most importantly her family for posting such an ugly misrepresentation of a great hard earned championship retention.
“I also want to apologize to the members of team (sic) Jacksonwink who were effected by that insincere post.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bda6c4Un_Ht/
After the apology, it proves to be the end of the controversy, especially as JacksonWink seem intent on adhering to Aragon.
Cyborg has accepted Aragon’s apology. But, it also sounds like she is still going to ask the UFC promotions to remove his credentials from future events.
