UFC fighters couldn’t help but react to the unusual boxing match and subsequent controversial ending between Angela Carini and Imane Khelif.
There was much speculation whether Khelif should be allowed to compete in women’s boxing at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The Algerian has been rejected entry into competition in the past due to their high testosterone readings, which renders competitors ineligible in combat sports.
Despite the plea from fans, Imane Khelif did compete at the Olympics and made their opponent quit in just 46 seconds. This caused uproar among the MMA world as fighters rushed to social media to voice their discontent.
The #9-ranked UFC light heavyweight Johnny Walker was furious with the Olympic Games’ decision to allow the fight to go ahead.
He shared his thoughts on X before deleting his post and later confirming he didn’t know enough about the situation to comment further.
@JohnnyWalker on X
I just think everyone that are reposting about the female olympic boxing issue, have no idea of the real history behind , is he borne woman ? Is she have genetic issues? Is have is a woman or not ? Mostly have no idea!
— Johnny Walker (@JohnnyWalker) August 1, 2024
Dillon Danis was upset with how events unfolded and insisted she was cheated out of a lifelong dream. Though, it wouldn’t be a Danis post without the BJJ phenom firing shots at someone he dislikes.
Trained her whole life to make it all the way to the OLYMPICS.. just to get cheated. Not only cheated. Abused and and embarrassed on top of it.
This is despicable and unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/Q7etylRPyS
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) August 1, 2024
Jake Paul after hearing there's an easier path to a boxing gold medal. pic.twitter.com/4vqWu8kPt9
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) August 1, 2024
Colby Covington joined in. The former interim UFC welterweight champion ranted about keeping men far away from women’s sports.
I tried to warn all of you. The Olympic committee, USA Boxing and the people who advocated for this madness need to take full responsibility. I feel for all the women who worked their whole lives to compete on the world’s largest stage only to have it taken away from them by a… pic.twitter.com/WNApBGi5DN
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) August 1, 2024
Related: Jake Paul offers Angela Carini life-changing opportunity after Olympics controversy
Former UFC lightweight king Rafael Dos Anjos also spoke out against the fight. The Brazilian insisted that anybody that thinks allowing Imane Khelif to compete in women’s boxing is sick.
Angela Carini, I Stand with you!! As a fighter and athlete I know how many hours of training and sacrifice to get to that level of competition. Olympics it’s the highest level and people allow a man to fight a woman it’s unacceptable. If you think this is right you’re sick. pic.twitter.com/mI0I3iJ5Xl
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) August 1, 2024
While the vast majority of internet users are angry with the Olympics, others were conflicted on the events.
Sodiq Yusuff and Chris Curtis didn’t fire shots at Khelif, but instead believe it’s a difficult situation to assess given the circumstances.
This… sometimes life isn't black or white, grey areas exist, and how we navigate them is difficult, but will speak volumes of our character in the future. https://t.co/RgEhogRa1x
— Chris Curtis The Action Man (@Actionman513) August 1, 2024
Derek Brunson and Kamaru Usman also sided with the African boxer. The UFC veterans stated that fans may have jumped the gun on their witch-hunt of Imane Khelif before knowing all the facts.
1000% no one does research just jump on it and run.
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 1, 2024