J. Cigano was recently fired from UFC Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Recently fired from the UFC, the Brazilian junior gypsy claimed he missed a 'Knockout of the Night' bonus because of the boxing legend Mike Tyson. In an interview with 'Sun Sport', the former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg) recalled an event in 2013 where he would receive the Ultimate prize, but the eternal star of the noble art would have dissuaded president Dana White from the idea.
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“When I fought with Mark Hunt (at UFC 160, in 2013), I was supposed to get two bonuses that night. Mike Tyson was there (in the arena) watching and during the press conference after the fights, Dana White said: 'Junior got two bonuses: Best Fight of the Night and Best Knockout of the Night, but I asked Mike and he told me to give the award for Knockout someone else'”, said Cigano.
According to the former heavyweight champion, even though he defeated Hunt with a beautiful knockout, the boxing legend questioned the fact that he received two bonuses after the event, a situation that was common at the time.
"He said (to Dana White), 'Why give two bonuses to just one guy?' So, Tyson took the $50 from me. So he owes me $50. He deprived me of that”, concluded Júnior.
On that occasion, Mike asked the UFC to reward lightweight (up to 70,3kg) TJ Grant who knocked out the former challenger Gray Maynard still in the first round. What few imagined was that that fight would be Grant's last as a professional athlete. The American discovered a heart disease shortly afterwards and had to hang up his gloves early.
Yes, junior gypsy, was fired from the UFC last March after four consecutive losses. The former heavyweight champion has not yet decided on his future and is awaiting proposals. The Brazilian athlete has a record of 21 triumphs and nine setbacks.
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