“The First Time I’ve Ever Been Hit…”: Jon Anik Recalls Wild Australian Crowd at UFC 284 Following Controversial Main Event Decision.

UFC 284 was undoubtedly among the best events that the promotion has managed to pull off in recent history. The championship fights and the Australian crowd all came together to create an event that has kept fans abuzz even days after it got over. Now, to add to all the storm and controversies surrounding it, UFC’s very own Jon Anik has come out with another interesting tale to add to the event. While talking to MMA Fighting, the 44-year-old narrated his first-hand experience of being right beside the Australian crowd during the Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski fight.

Anik, who was a part of the commentary team on 12th February, recalled things getting hurled in their direction after the main event fight. Funnily, for the commentator, it wasn’t too dangerous. The crowd chose to hurl food at them, evidently owing to their disagreement over the decision.

UFC’s Jon Anik on dodging food tossed at him after UFC 284 main event 

As he sat down with MMA Fighting to discuss the event, Anik couldn’t help but recall the insane crowd that made the fights more eventful. The commentator noted how emotions ran high among the crowd after the judge’s decision was announced. Interestingly, Anik remembered how fans tossed burgers and fries toward the commentary team. Although he claims that it was not the first time that he has got things thrown at him; it definitely was the first that he had burgers hurled at him.

“After the decision was announced, it’s the first time that I’ve ever — I’m sure it’s not the first time people have thrown stuff in our Direction, [but] it’s the first time I’ve ever been hit with a burger and fries on the back, and it certainly felt a lot heavier than french fries.” Exclaimed the 44-year-old.

Considering how wild and passionate Australians are for their athletes; it isn’t that much of a surprise that the UFC 284 crowd ended up doing that. Especially after a close decision.

Anik shares his opinion on the fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski

The long-time UFC commentator also gave his reasoning behind the crowd’s behavior. He pinned it on the main event fight and the immensity of the entire card as the main cause of the crowd’s behavior.

“But when so much is at stake, I understand why people who are emotional and passionate have their opinions.” stated Anik.

Although most importantly, the 44-year-old also commended the fighters. Considering that the fight was an extremely close affair; Anik pointed out that it was a high level of competition that resulted in such a close fight.

 “And I think the sport at its highest level is so close. And the elite fights between Elite Fighters oftentimes are the ones that are the most hotly contested,” said the commentator and analyst.

Read More: Islam Makhachev Sends Out a Grim Warning to Dan Hooker on Twitter After Controversy Around IV Allegations

Ultimately, Jon Anik, being an experienced professional, recognizes the extreme passion that runs high in such events. Despite the unruly behavior, he rightfully made sure that he commended the athletes and the high level of competitiveness involved.

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