Sports · Combat Sports · 9 hrs ago
Andrei Arlovski apologizes for remarks about Anthony Johnson’s death
Andrei Arlovski apologized for remarks about Anthony Johnson’s death after criticism over comments in a recent interview.
The former UFC heavyweight champion said he had described himself as a winner because he is alive, not because Johnson had died.
Johnson beat Arlovski in their 2013 fight, and Arlovski said that result stands.
Johnson died in 2022, aged 38, from organ failure linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and another illness.
Arlovski said surviving cancer three times shaped his words and his gratitude for being alive.
He also said English is his second language and apologized to Johnson’s family and loved ones for how his remarks sounded.
Arlovski said he takes responsibility for the impact of his words, and no further action was stated.
Andrei Arlovski apologized for remarks about his 2013 fight with Anthony Johnson, saying he did not mean to celebrate Johnson’s death.
Arlovski said Johnson beat him and that his comments were about gratitude for surviving cancer.
He apologized to Johnson’s family and loved ones and said English being his second language affected how his words were understood.
Johnson died in 2022, aged 38, from organ failure linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
- Who
- Andrei Arlovski apologized for remarks about Anthony Johnson.
- What
- Arlovski said he did not mean that Johnson’s death made him a winner. He said he was expressing gratitude for being alive after surviving cancer.
- When
- The fight took place in March 2013. Johnson died in 2022, and Arlovski’s apology followed remarks that drew criticism in November 2026.
- Where
- Arlovski posted his statement on Instagram.
- Why
- He said his remarks were misinterpreted and that English being his second language affected how they sounded.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Arlovski and Johnson fought in the main event of World Series of Fighting 2.
Johnson died aged 38 from organ failure linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
A social media post shared Arlovski’s remark that he was a winner because he was alive and Johnson was dead.
Arlovski posted an Instagram statement apologizing and explaining what he meant.
- Fight
- Arlovski lost to Johnson by unanimous decision in 2013
- Event
- World Series of Fighting 2
- Johnson’s age at death
- 38
- Year Johnson died
- 2022
- Arlovski’s cancer history
- He said he had fought cancer three times
What people are saying
Anthony beat me in the Octagon. That’s a fact and I have nothing but respect for him as a fighter !!!
I NEVER meant that his passing was somehow my victory … That’s not who I am and that’s not what I believe !!!
Cancer is not a competition. Death is not a victory. LIFE is the GIFT.
Posts on X
Andrei Arlovski on his MMA loss to Anthony Johnson, who passed away in 2022: “I’m winner anyway. He’s dead, I’m alive.” (via @RealDaveGuttman)