Forrest Griffin's Hispanic Racism (UFC 72)

**Killing Moon** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 10:34am

I found this really funny that no one seemed to mention it. Or maybe no one WANTED to mention it.

During the “talking heads” opening of UFC 72, Forrest Griffin said that being Irish in Ireland, he really didn’t want to lose to a Hispanic dude. Hmnn, now I dunno about you, but me thinks that this can be construed as pretty racist.

Now there have already been quite a few accusations of racism in MMA organizations worldwide. However, I believe that this was probably one of the most direct examples as of late.

To add insult to injury, Forrest also put on lackluster performance (not that Ramirez was much better, chasing him around the ring).

With that said, considering that he doesn’t want to lose to any “Hispanics” (God forbid in Ireland *gasp*), I sure as hell hope that he doesn’t run into Mauricio Shogun or Wanderlei in the latest 205 ranks.

Better yet, I hope he does.

**mcjon** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 10:38am

I just thought it meant that he didn't want to lose to a non-Irishman in the country of his ancestors.

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 10:38am

Maybe you are unaware but Forrest is kinda known as the "funny guy" of MMA. I'd be surprised if this was anything more than his usual shenanigans.

**Cuchulain** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 10:41am

I don't get why Americans say they are Irish.

in anycase i do remember thinking "I hope no-one takes that the wrong way"

**ray jackson** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 10:49am

Originally Posted by Killing Moon

With that said, considering that he doesn’t want to lose to any “Hispanics” (God forbid in Ireland *gasp*), I sure as hell hope that he doesn’t run into Mauricio Shogun or Wanderlei in the latest 205 ranks.

Better yet, I hope he does.

Brazillians aren't hispanic. they don't have a spanish cultural influence/ancestry. the portuguese equilivant is luso or lusophonic.

Also, I dont think this was a racist comment, there was nothing pejorative about it. Cultures have rivalries with each other in sports all the time, it isnt a racist thing. Hispanics can be passionate about their heritage, and the Irish/Irish americans can be the same way. Just sort of a friendly competition kind of thing.

**cyrijl** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 10:55am

And hispanic isn't even a race.

If you are idiotic enough to believe in racial differences then at least accept the current taxonomy
White,
Black,
Yellow...

Caucasian,
Negroid,
Mongoloid

ETC.

If you think that was racist you are a idiot. Did I say idiot? Yup I did.

**john joe** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 11:01am

Originally Posted by Killing Moon

During the “talking heads” opening of UFC 72, Forrest Griffin said that being Irish in Ireland, he really didn’t want to lose to a Hispanic dude. Hmnn, now I dunno about you, but me thinks that this can be construed as pretty racist.

so griffin mentioning irish roots, in ireland, and mentioning the hispanicness of an undeniably hispanic man is racist?

man up, you fuckin vegan.

**sochin101** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 11:10am

Originally Posted by WhiteShark

Maybe you are unaware but Forrest is kinda known as the "funny guy" of MMA. I'd be surprised if this was anything more than his usual shenanigans.

Oh noes... sounds like an Irish word... on a thread featuring non-Irish people... racist.
Mind you, what are we to expect from someone called WHITEsupremacistSHARK?

ATTN PEOPLE WHOSE SARCASM DETECTORS ARE BROKEN: I'm not serious.

**Wolf** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 11:14am

was not a racist comment, though i can see how it is misconstrued as such...you should all know that that one of his best friends is Carmelo Marrero...A HISPANIC GUY.

**sempaiman** · Posted On: 6/18/2007 11:16am

Enough. This "politically correctiveness" BS is ruining all of us. What, he should appologize profusely and than get fired by UFC. Good thing he did not say that he did not want a "black" guy to win, Al and Jesse would both be marching to have his ass by now....