Arlovski Apologizes for Remarks on Johnson's Death

The former UFC fighter clarified comments he made about Anthony Johnson, who died in 2022, after criticism on social media.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an empty octagon cage under a single overhead light in a dark arena, evoking the sport's physical toll. — Former UFC fighter Andrei Arlovski apologized Tuesday after remarks about Anthony Johnson's 2022 death drew criticism on social media. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Andrei Arlovski apologized for saying he was the real winner of his 2013 fight with Anthony Johnson because he is still alive. Arlovski posted a lengthy statement on Instagram addressing the comments and extending his apologies to Johnson's family and loved ones.

Why it matters

The remarks drew attention to the physical toll of fighting and to how athletes discuss the deaths of peers. Arlovski said English being his second language contributed to how his words were interpreted.

Arlovski has fought cancer three times, and the 2013 fight with Johnson at World Series of Fighting 2 was scored 29-28 by all three judges across three rounds. Johnson died in 2022 at age 38 from organ failure linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

The players

Andrei Arlovski

A veteran mixed martial artist and former UFC heavyweight champion who has fought cancer three times.

Anthony Johnson

A former UFC light heavyweight contender who died in 2022 at age 38 after a battle with lymphoma and related complications.

The details

Arlovski stated that his comments were about gratitude for surviving cancer, not about celebrating Johnson's death. He wrote that he meant no disrespect and emphasized that English is his second language.

March 2013: Arlovski and Johnson fought in the World Series of Fighting 2 main event.
2022: Johnson died at age 38 from organ failure.
November 8, 2026: Arlovski posted his apology for the remarks.

Season Trajectory

Comments about fighter health and mortality recur across the sport, particularly among veterans who have faced serious illness. This episode reflects how such discussions can prompt public scrutiny of athletes' statements.

The apology relates to a 2013 fight and to fighter health history that many MMA fans follow closely. Readers interested in the athletes' careers can review each fighter's record for context on the matchup.

The takeaway

Public statements about illness and death carry weight, and clarity matters when athletes address the loss of a peer. Readers can apply that lesson by considering how context and language shape the reception of comments about sensitive subjects.