Rousimar Palhares’ manager Alex Davis is one of the most principled figures in mixed martial arts. In his latest article at MMAJunkie, Davis says that the reaction over ‘Toquinho’ holding the heel hook too long has gone too far.
I’m not defending Rousimar’s actions. He did wrong in holding Mike Pierce’s ankle that long. But this situation is being way over blown. Rousimar has already been punished. He was denied an obvious “Submission of the Night” bonus, and he was given a four-month suspension by the CABMMA. But this guy is being crucified in the court of public opinion and turned into something he is not: a mean, monstrous person who is out to hurt people. This is simply not the truth.
Dana White got very upset over the incident and cut Rousimar. I get it. I get his perspective. But we were not sent a release letter, nor did we get a phone call. We found out on Twitter. That’s a first for me! And then all these people out there crying and whining!
Come on! This has turned into one of the biggest bashing sessions in MMA history. People are gaining media at this guy’s expense; that’s whats happening.
Rousimar does not do this on purpose. He does it unconsciously. But he will have learned his lesson, and he will fight with his head on, and he will beat everyone put in front of him – maybe in a nicer way! And when this happens, I will remind the world of all of this: There are many truths in this situation. Rousimar has been turned from a transgressor to a victim of public opinion and people’s ignorance.
