Wie de bal kaatst.......
".........
It was bound to catch up with him. Chael Sonnen has been spouting off about Brazil for the past year and it seems that finally MMA fans have had enough. Over 2500 Brazilian fans have "RSVP'd" to a Facebook event called "Linchamento do Chael Sonnen" (English: Lynching of Chael Sonnen). The*page has the following description:
"Guys, everyone is aware of what this insect has been spewing about Brazil, the fighters, of the people of this country, of our culture. I think we should give him a "warm welcome" when he comes to attend UFC Rio on the 27th, since Brazilians carries the fame of being sympathetic, hospitable, warm people, how about a big party for our friend Chael Sonnen?"
Now, obviously most people are taking this in jest. They aren't likely to actually lynch Chael Sonne when he arrives in Rio. However, there are those that likely do feel that Chael's words have crossed a line to being offensive in nature. He's made statements that some see as xenophobic regarding not just Anderson Silva and the Nogueira's, but also about the nation as a whole. To his credit though, his comments have helped some Brazilian fighters such as Demian Maia receive more exposure in their home country.*
While Brazil is ramping up their infrastructure and security for the 2016 Olympic games, in the current state, they still have many social issues for the UFC to deal with. There are rumors of extensive identity theft and counterfeiting of tickets for this event. While I don't believe fighter safety is an issue, there could potentially be issues with the populace that will be turned away at the door. Hopefully this event is just a joke and that no one crosses the line into actually forming a lynch mob.
Translation from Facebook Page: Thomas Mendes aka Orcus
SBN coverage of UFC 134: Rio
"When I am fighting I am keeping my mind empty for any expectations. I am waiting for something unique, completely new.” - Rickson Gracie
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