UFC Bans Jackson-Wink Photographer Who Insulted Cris Cyborg
The UFC has banned the photographer from the Jackson-Winkeljohn gym in New Mexico after he insulted women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg following her win over Holly Holm on Saturday night.
Mark Aragon, who is the staff photographer and social media representative for the famed gym, posted a photo of Cyborg on Saturday night and repeatedly referred to her as a man before later deleting the post.
The staff photographer from Jackson-Wink posted this last night. Apparently he was also credentialed to the fights. Would expect a lot more from such a well respected gym. https://t.co/EYXRLE4Vs4 pic.twitter.com/YaAMuEyJOA
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) December 31, 2017
Aragon issued an apology a day later but the damage was already done and the UFC has opted to ban him from receiving credentials any longer.
“UFC is aware and troubled with the recent statements made by a social media representative from the Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico as it concerns women’s featherweight champion, Cris Cyborg,” UFC offcials said in a statement initially released via MMAFighting.
“UFC does not condone or tolerate the remarks that were used. The organization has reached out to the Jackson-Wink team to inform them that the individual in question will not be granted access for future events.”
Cyborg had asked for Aragon to lose his credentials to UFC events as a result of his insults and the promotion moved quickly to ban him further access in the future.
“I want to thank the UFC for showing their support,” Cyborg wrote after Aragon was banned. “Everyone is entitled to a work environment free from sexual harassment and prejudice.”
I want to thank the @ufc for showing their support. everyone is entitled to a work environment free from sexual harassment and prejudice pic.twitter.com/u3AwIVIUkL
— #CyborgNation (@criscyborg) January 3, 2018
While the Jackson-Winkeljohn Facebook page posted an apology and explanation that led to Aragon’s post, the gym’s founders — Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn — have made no personal statements regarding the photographer’s actions or the UFC’s decision to ban him from future events.
