The Internet does not characteristically bring out the best in people. MMA fans are too often quick to turn on a fighter in loss. That combination creates ugliness around every loss. And no one feels the insults and slander more keenly than a fighter who just lost.
Through some curious process, the hardcore fanbase can be more brutal and more disrespectful than the casual fans. And Brazilian fans can be particularly cruel to Brazilian fighters.
Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva lost to Stefan Struve via KO in the first at UFC Fight 87 in Holland, and in a moment that the sport could use more of, the big man gave as good as he got on Instagram, or better.
“Many people think that because we are famous, we don’t have feelings or that we don’t want to answer some people sometimes,” he wrote. “I’ll be very straight to the point with some s***ty Brazilians. This is why our country is deep in misery. This is why we don’t have education and culture, but this anti-patriotism instead.
“All of you who envy me are people who weren’t able to achieve your goals, and find it easier to sit on your ass and talk about other people on the internet. People who work hard through pain, exhaustion and many times overcome illnesses to conquer their success. I just want all you of who talk about me to f*** off. Go sit on a giant Yucca tree, and if you get offended or as mad as you get in front of the computer, I train at American Top Team from Monday to Saturday – 5750 FL7 Coconut Creek, Florida, 33073 – that’s the address. Just show up, but don’t forget your mouthpiece, gloves and shin guards.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who do recognize the work of a professional and I apologize for being rude. An athlete is not made of only wins, nobody wants to lose, but sometimes we make one plan and God makes another.”
