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Zhang Weili (left) will face Rose Namajunas (right) at UFC 261. Photo: AP and Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC fans turn on ‘Thug Rose’ Namajunas after Zhang Weili ‘red’ comments

  • Lithuanian-American said ‘better dead than red’ as she stoked rivalry with Chinese champion ahead of UFC 261 title fight
  • Commenters criticise US foreign policy and bring up Lithuania’s Nazi past as they pledge support for Zhang ahead of April 24 showdown

Fans of “Thug” Rose Namajunas say that they will be supporting rival Zhang Weili after the Lithuanian-American’s comments on communism ahead of their fight at UFC 261.

Namajunas has been criticised on socal media after her comments about upcoming opponent Zhang and, as a Chinese national, her links to communism.

The Lithuanian-American had said that she was “better dead than red” ahead of the title fight against Chinese champion Zhang at UFC 261 on April 24.

“I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Weili is red, that’s what she represents,” the former strawweight champion told Lithuanian national public broadcaster LRT.

 

“It’s nothing personal against her, but that’s a huge motivating factor of why I fight. I fight for freedom ... I’ve got Lithuanian blood and the American dream.”

Those comments have fuelled a response online with people expressing their distaste on her Instagram posts with some calling her “brainless”.

UFC 261: Rose Namajunas says ‘better dead than red’ ahead of title fight vs China’s Zhang Weili

Many commenters criticised the US for its own foreign policy while others equated the fighter’s stance on communism to Lithuania’s Nazi occupation, with the then Soviet country occupied by German forces from 1941 until 1945. Some comments alluded to the Nazis being welcomed initially. 

Several of the comments expressed that fans would support Zhang in their title fight, with others dismayed that Namajunas would bring politics into sport.

“In general, to link sports and politics is stupid,” wrote one user. “I used to root for you. But now I will be for the red communist rocket. Good luck.”

“I hope Zhang will destroy you,” wrote another, who blasted Namajunas for speaking “stereotypical nonsense about communism”.

“Last time those folks will see your face normal looking,” said another, referencing Joanna Jedrzejczyk facial injuries after her defeat to Zhang last March. That was the fight of the year and fans are hoping for a similar showing later this month.

“Very disappointed in you Rose. You should retract your comments and apologise for introducing a toxic dynamic into the lead up for your fight,” wrote one user.

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