In the world of the UFC, the promotion has often touted its commitment to free speech and allowing its stars to express themselves. However, a recent incident has raised questions about the company’s alleged hypocrisy.
Abdul Razak Alhassan, a UFC star, was reportedly not allowed to wear a custom-made t-shirt featuring the name of his opponent, Jared Cannonier, to his UFC Denver media day. The t-shirt, which read “Buckley’s a b****,” was a clear expression of Alhassan’s dislike for Buckley.
This incident stands in stark contrast to the UFC’s recent defense of its stars’ right to free speech. In a recent press conference, UFC President Dana White strongly pushed back against the notion that he “gives anybody a leash” when it comes to their ability to express themselves.
White stated, “Free speech, brother. People can say whatever they want and they can believe whatever they want.” This sentiment was echoed in his defense of Sean Strickland, who faced backlash for his controversial remarks about the LGBTQ+ community.
However, the case of Alhassan’s t-shirt suggests that the UFC’s commitment to free speech may be more rhetoric than reality. By preventing Alhassan from wearing his custom-made shirt, the promotion appears to be selectively enforcing its policies, potentially undermining the credibility of its claims.
The hypocrisy becomes even more apparent when considering the UFC’s decision to renew its partnership with Bud Light, a brand that faced significant backlash for its marketing campaign featuring activist Dylan Mulvaney. Despite the criticism, the UFC chose to stand by its sponsorship deal, suggesting a willingness to prioritize commercial interests over principles of free expression.
Abdul Razak Alhassan is certainly not high profile enough to merit special privileges but you have to wonder where the line is for most people.
