Despite a definitive finish on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 161, it appears that Marlon Vera’s victory over Andre Ewell was not without controversy.
Ewell's team alleges that corner audio captured between the second and third rounds concluded with Vera’s official second using the term “mayate,” a derogatory term aimed at blacks and/or homosexuals.
According to multiple Latino sources, the word “mayate” directly translates to “beetle,” but carries an offensive connotation in common slang in reference to darker-skinned people and homosexuals. As the coaches are exiting the Octagon shortly before the final round, Colin Oyama is alleged to have been seen standing next to Vera and giving last-second instructions when he is accused of saying “mayate killer.” Ewell is African American.
“We've been made aware of the situation and do not condone racially charged or discriminatory conduct,” said Matt Dodge of Ewell's management team. “We intend to reach out to the UFC to ensure that they conduct a full and thorough investigation into the situation and trust they will act accordingly with the UFC's Athlete Conduct Policy.”
Oyama is the owner and head coach at Team Oyama in Irvine, California. The segment didn’t make it on the U.S. broadcast as ESPN Plus cut to commercial in between rounds. A conversation between Vera and Oyama can be seen and heard as of 6:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 14 via UFC Fight Pass for non U.S. residents.
Repeated attempts to contact Oyama have gone unanswered as of publication time.
Team Andre Ewell Alleges Marlon Vera Cornerman Used Racial Slur on UFC Tampa Broadcast
Ewell's team alleges that corner audio captured between the second and third rounds concluded with Vera’s official second using the term “mayate,” a derogatory term aimed at blacks and/or homosexuals.
According to multiple Latino sources, the word “mayate” directly translates to “beetle,” but carries an offensive connotation in common slang in reference to darker-skinned people and homosexuals. As the coaches are exiting the Octagon shortly before the final round, Colin Oyama is alleged to have been seen standing next to Vera and giving last-second instructions when he is accused of saying “mayate killer.” Ewell is African American.
“We've been made aware of the situation and do not condone racially charged or discriminatory conduct,” said Matt Dodge of Ewell's management team. “We intend to reach out to the UFC to ensure that they conduct a full and thorough investigation into the situation and trust they will act accordingly with the UFC's Athlete Conduct Policy.”
Oyama is the owner and head coach at Team Oyama in Irvine, California. The segment didn’t make it on the U.S. broadcast as ESPN Plus cut to commercial in between rounds. A conversation between Vera and Oyama can be seen and heard as of 6:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 14 via UFC Fight Pass for non U.S. residents.
Repeated attempts to contact Oyama have gone unanswered as of publication time.
Team Andre Ewell Alleges Marlon Vera Cornerman Used Racial Slur on UFC Tampa Broadcast
