UFC fighters come together with powerful video message in support of Black Lives Matter
UFC stars come together for video message supporting Black Lives Matter.
Several stars from the UFC have come together in a new video message in support of Black Lives Matter and taking a stand against racism and police brutality.
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, Rose Namajunas, Aljamain Sterling and Angela Hill, among others, each contributed at least one part in the video message that was posted across the fighters’ social media channels.
“We want you to know that we stand with our brothers and sisters around the world seeking justice and equality,” the collective video statement said. “Although our sport is deemed dangerous and brutal, ironically, as martial artists, our practice rooms are filled with men and women from all different walks of life who come together to hone their craft and make each other better people in the process.”
UFC fighters star in new video supporting Black Lives Matter, condemning racism
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Protests and riots in the name of police reform and defunding, as well as anti-racism, have been sparked around the world — especially across the United States — following the May 25 death of George Floyd. Floyd died while in Minneapolis (MN) police custody, accused of trying to complete a purchase with a counterfeit bill.
Video from the incident saw officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck while Floyd repeatedly told officers “I can’t breathe.” Chauvin faces charges of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, also on scene, face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder.
The video from the UFC fighters is just the latest in video messages across the sports world posted in response to the death and its aftermath. Several NFL players sent a video message to the league and commissioner Roger Goodell, asking the league to announce its condemning of racism and support of players to peacefully protest. Several NASCAR drivers also came together in a video of their own.
Devin Clark, who competed on last weekend’s UFC 250 card, took a knee and held his fist up during his Octagon introduction. During the UFC 250 Ultimate Media Day, Aljamain Sterling and Alex Caceres spoke of their own interactions with police and their thoughts on what’s going on in the world. Meanwhile, UFC champions Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya, as well as UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell, had their own interactions during protests and riots.
The UFC aired an “In Memory Of…” screen dedicated to Floyd prior to the May 30 UFC Vegas card — the first UFC card held following Floyd’s death — but have yet to release an official written statement unlike other sports leagues and organizations.
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