Andrei Arlovski has apologized for saying he was the real winner of his 2013 fight with Anthony Johnson because he is still alive, insisting his comments were about gratitude for surviving cancer rather than celebrating Johnson’s death.

The former UFC heavyweight champion faced criticism after reflecting on his unanimous decision defeat to ‘Rumble’, who died in 2022 aged 38 from organ failure brought on by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

In a subsequent Instagram statement, Andrei Arlovski acknowledged that Johnson had beaten him and explained that his own experiences with cancer had shaped his perspective on life and survival.

The 47-year-old also apologized to Johnson’s family and loved ones, saying that English being his second language had contributed to how his remarks were interpreted.

How do you rate the UFC Saudi Arabia card from 1-10?

With the likes of Israel Adesanya, Shara Bullet and Ian Machado Garry, this is a stacked fight night

Andrei Arlovski clarifies his comments amid backlash

Andrei Arlovski has posted a lengthy social media statement addressing his comments about Anthony Johnson.

“Nothing to say, except : it was a lesson,” Arlovski wrote on Instagram. “Before interview going live – I have to check it and F… You to ALL HATERS , because they digging to find something BAD !!!

“Anyway it’s easier with google translate explain myself : I want to clear something up because I’ve been receiving a lot of hate over something I said in a recent interview about Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.

“Anthony beat me in the Octagon. That’s a fact and I have nothing but respect for him as a fighter !!!

“When I said that I was still a winner because I’m alive today – YES !!! I NEVER meant that his passing was somehow my victory … That’s not who I am and that’s not what I believe !!!

“I’ve fought cancer THREE TIMES myself. Three times I had to face an opponent much bigger than anything I’ve ever faced inside the Octagon. And believe me – when you’ve been through something like that, , you understand how precious LIFE really is.

“English is my second language. Sometimes the words that come out of my mouth don’t fully express what’s in my heart or my head . I take responsibility for how my words sounded, that’s actually 2d time I have to apologize for saying something wrong and I’m truly sorry to anyone I hurt or offended, only SMART PPL WHO CAN USE BRAINS 🧠 , especially Anthony’s family and loved ones !!!

“What I was trying to say is that the greatest victory in life isn’t about winning a fight. It’s about being alive, being grateful and having another chance to wake up tomorrow morning! None of us knows what tomorrow will bring !! Not me, Not you, Nobody !!!

“Anthony won our fight. Nothing will ever change that. Cancer is not a competition. Death is not a victory. LIFE is the GIFT. Rest in peace, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson 🙏 — Andrei “THE PIT BULL” Arlovski.”

What happened when Andrei Arlovski fought Anthony Johnson?

Andrei Arlovski and Anthony Johnson met in the main event of World Series of Fighting 2 in March 2013.

Johnson, who was competing at heavyweight after previously fighting at welterweight, dropped Arlovski with a powerful right hand towards the end of the opening round and broke his jaw during the contest.

Despite the injury, Arlovski survived the full three rounds before Johnson secured a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28.

The bout was controversial due to a timekeeping dispute, with Arlovski’s coaches claiming the first round had continued beyond its scheduled duration.

Following the fight, Johnson praised Arlovski as one of his idols and expressed his respect for the former UFC heavyweight champion.