R. Toquinho (photo) defends himself from criticism and wants another chance in the UFC. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS
The life of Rousimar Toquinho has been through a whirlwind of emotions over the last few days. After crying at the UFC Fight Night 29 weigh-in on Tuesday (08), submitting Mike Pierce in sensational fashion the following day in just 31 seconds, he was fired from the organization for taking too long to release the heel hook attached to the north- American.
Shaken by the repercussion of the case, the Brazilian released a video on his YouTube channel in which he guarantees that there was no malice at the time of the finish. He recalled the fight with Pierce and said he didn't feel the taps for giving up, as most of them were given to the referee.
“When he sat down, until the judge turned to the other side, it took two seconds. It was the second two that caused the misunderstanding. The judge comes in front and he continues hitting the judge on the back. For me, it wasn't. I saw that in the footage, I didn’t even see that at the time of the fight”, said the fighter.
Watch the video released by Rousimar Toquinho apologizing to the UFC and asking for another chance at the event:
Toquinho's speech is similar to the press conference he gave after the victory. At the time, the athlete from Minas Gerais assured that he did not hold back the blow. “I didn’t hold back. As soon as he hit, I let go,” he stated.
See Toquinho's interview after the controversial finish over Mike Pierce
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