Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has apologised after drawing widespread criticism for his comments about the late Anthony “Rumble” Johnson during a recent interview.
Arlovski came under fire after discussing his 2013 meeting with Johnson, in which he suggested that he was the real winner because he was still alive while his former opponent had passed away. He made the remarks during an interview with David Guttman while reflecting on his unanimous decision defeat to Johnson at World Series of Fighting 2 in March 2013.
“I still think I won that fight, but unfortunately judges gave to him victory,” Arlovski said. “But I win anyway, he’s dead, I’m alive.” The comment quickly attracted backlash from MMA fans and personalities, with many criticising the former heavyweight champion for bringing Johnson’s death into a discussion about their past fight.
Following the reaction, Arlovski addressed the controversy in a lengthy statement shared on Instagram on November 7. The 47-year-old insisted that he never intended to suggest that Johnson’s death represented a personal victory for him. He also acknowledged that his words had come across differently from what he intended.
“Anthony beat me in the Octagon. That’s a fact and I have nothing but respect for him as a fighter,” Arlovski wrote. He went on to explain that his comment about being alive was connected to his own experiences with cancer, revealing that he had battled the disease three times. According to Arlovski, those experiences have given him a different appreciation of life and the opportunity to wake up each day.
“English is my second language,” he added. “Sometimes the words that come out of my mouth don’t fully express what’s in my heart or my head. I take responsibility for how my words sounded.” Arlovski apologised to those he had hurt or offended, specifically mentioning Johnson’s family and loved ones. He also made it clear that he accepted the official result of their 2013 contest. “Anthony won our fight. Nothing will ever change that,” he stated.
Arlovski and Johnson faced each other in the main event of World Series of Fighting 2 on March 23, 2013, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Johnson, who was making his heavyweight debut, secured a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the contest 29–28 in his favour. The fight was particularly memorable for the damage Johnson inflicted during the opening round.
Arlovski later claimed that Johnson broke his jaw in two places, although he managed to continue for the remaining two rounds. Despite Arlovski’s disagreement with the judges’ decision, the official result remained a victory for Johnson.
Johnson passed away in November 2022 at the age of 38 following complications related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and an autoimmune disease. Widely regarded as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in MMA history, Johnson competed twice for the UFC light heavyweight championship and built a reputation for his devastating punching power. Arlovski’s statement ended with a tribute to his former opponent, making it clear that he did not view Johnson’s passing as a victory.
“Cancer is not a competition. Death is not a victory. LIFE is the GIFT,” he wrote. “Rest in peace, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson.”
While Arlovski’s apology clarified the message he said he was trying to communicate, his original remarks had already sparked considerable debate among MMA fans about how he spoke about his late former opponent.
