Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has issued an apology for using a homophobic slur during his post-fight interview at UFC on ESPN 4.

Arlovski (28-18 MMA, 17-12 UFC) snapped a four-fight winless skid on Saturday when he defeated Ben Rothwell (36-12 MMA, 6-6 UFC) by unanimous decision at AT&T Center in San Antonio. “The Pitbull” was emotional when speaking to MMA Junkie post-fight, wiping tears from his face while discussing the promise he made to his son that he would be victorious.

Moments later, Arlovski sounded off on critics of his rough patch and anyone who questioned his ability to take damage by using the derogatory term.

“Once again I will tell everyone shut your (expletive) mouths about my ‘glass chin,’ so go f*ck yourself, fa**ots,” Arlovski said. “That’s it. I proved to everyone you’re f*cking wrong.”

On Sunday, Arlovski apologized for using the homophobic slur in a statement to MMA Junkie.

“I apologize to anyone I offended with my poor choice of words,” Arlovski said. “I did not mean to offend any one group or person. I am deeply sorry and will not use these type of words in the future.”

Arlovski, 40, isn’t the first former UFC champion who’s been caught using homophobic language. In October 2017, Conor McGregor was caught on camera using the same term while consoling friend Artem Lobov following a loss at UFC Fight Night 118. He issued an apology more than one week later.

Just a month prior in September 2017, Fabricio Werdum got into a heated exchange with Tony Ferguson at a UFC 216 media lunch and used the same word as Arlovski and McGregor. The former titleholder would later apologize, as well, and insisted he was not homophobic.

When contacted by MMA Junkie, the UFC acknowledged Arlovski’s inappropriate language.

“UFC is aware of the recent remarks from heavyweight athlete Andrei Arlovski,” the promotion said in a statement. “The organization does not condone any disparaging comments regarding race, religion and/or sexual orientation. We have already addressed this issue directly with Andrei and his team. This is an ongoing priority for the organization, and there will be continued monitoring of these types of situations moving forward.”

After the grueling fight with Rothwell, which marked a rematch of a July 2008 bout “The Pitbull” won by third-round knockout, Arlovski said he hopes to return to the octagon as soon as possible. He’s looking for a rematch with someone who has beaten him but said he will leave it up to UFC brass to decide what’s next.

“I consider myself a real man. I want to fight everyone who whooped my ass in the past,” Arlovski said. “Of course I want to fight people in front of me (in the rankings), but it’s totally up to UFC, up to Dana White and the matchmakers.”

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