UFC featherweight Cris Cyborg has released a statement regarding the altercation between herself and strawweight Angela Magana at this past weekend’s UFC Athlete Retreat. In case you missed it, Cyborg took offense to some Twitter posts Magana made a few weeks back that compared the Brazilian to Billy the Puppet, the sinister doll from the Saw film franchise.
The end result was a slightly injured Magana (who stayed on her feet and was able to take herself in for medical treatment), Cyborg being cited for battery by police, and potentially facing six months in prison. Then there’s the threats lobbed at other fighters present. In short, it’s a black eye for Cyborg, despite never having taken a punch.
Moving into damage control mode, Cyborg released the following statement on her official Facebook account. Unfortunately, it doesn’t directly reference the incident, but instead tackles it in a roundabout way, claiming there is “a culture where sexual harassment, racial prejudices, or female discrimination are acceptable in the work place” within the UFC.
The full statement reads as follows:
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Dear Cyborg Nation,
I looked the word Culture up in the dictionary and it said “The social behavior and norms found in human societies” which made me start to think of all the different cultures I have had shape my views and how those experiences have sculpted my understanding of life and relationships, and it made me want to share my thoughts with those on Cyborg Nation.
Core Values of Culture are learned through those in leadership roles in the communities we live, work, and regularly interact with. When I first started training at Chute Boxe in Curitiba I learned the true spirit of fighting watching legends like Wanderlia Silva [sic], Shogun, and Cyborg train everyday in the gym. Everyone looked at these fighters as an example, we saw the hard work, heart, and dedication it took to become a World Champion and we learned not to expect anything less from ourselves. Training amongst these legends of the sport we learned how to win with pride, and if a loss happened to deal with it with integrity. Even though I am not training with Rudimar Fredrigo [sic] and the Chute Boxe team in Curitiba, I think I still represent the culture of the team and the values we place in honor, respect, and discipline which is why I have proudly flown the #CHUTEBOXE flag my entire career.
The way we select friends is often very different than the way companies select which ones to build long term working relationships with. The success of any company merger relies on the ability of the owners to merge core values of the two companies, giving special emphasis to the development of communication that can result in a positive conflict resolution whenever problems or misunderstandings occur.
Similar to my time in the gym with Chute Boxe I have learned that just like in fighting, culture in business is developed by those seen successful and high profile within the company. Examples of leadership are learned from the top down, and this results in what eventually becomes the culture of the company, and the identity of their relationships, and their associates.
When disparaging comments are made at the top, it sets an example that it is acceptable within the company, allowing lower ranking individuals to continuing following examples of leaders, establishing the culture and practices of the company. It is no secret I have been a victim of online bullying. At times in my career it has felt like their has been a team of writers using the internet to shape the public’s vision of my company’s brand, often attempting to make me look like the face of anabolic abuse in the sport of MMA. While it has been years since someone has said I looked like “Wanderlia [sic] Silva in a dress”, it doesn’t feel that long ago that I was listening to someone give me advice on how cutting off my dick would help me to make 135lbs easier. When people see these actions of people high profile in the company being promoted through social media without consequence or even a public apology, they see it as an acceptable behavior within the company, and often view it as an encouraged opportunity at self promotion. It should never be acceptable for a company to allow their employees to develop a culture where sexual harassment, racial prejudices, or female discrimination are acceptable in the work place.
When two companies work together, it is not only money, but the relationships within those companies, that establish the value, length, and success of the partnerships. Feeling welcomed, respected, and having trust that the two companies are mutually beneficial and seeking the same goals is essential for any success in a long term commitment. While profitability is important it can not be the only factor when determining a merger of two companies because for what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
For me it is simple to see the things I value. I am a family girl from Brazil who is not impressed by the lights of the show and the sound of the radio. While I do place some value in money I also know the joys of working for a company that values respect, loyalty, and honesty amongst its associates and discourages a workplace where sexual harassment, racial prejudices, and discrimination against females fighters is acceptable promotion.
Love,
Cris Cyborg
The UFC has yet to comment publicly on the incident.
