Oluwale Bamgbose vents frustrations about fans and fighting following brutal KO loss
UFC middleweight Oluwale Bamgbose was on the wrong end of a devastating knee to the jaw at UFC on FOX: Lawler vs. dos Anjos. And the loss seems to have sparked some reflection on fans and the sport of MMA.
Whether it’s the wear and tear on a fighter’s mind and body over the years of training and fighting, or the often abysmally low pay for what can be a massive time outlay at the higher levels of the sport, or simply dealing with fickle fans and sleazy promoters and managers, a career in fighting can be a challenge to navigate. And that’s to say nothing of actually losing fights; the potential for public humiliation and a place on someone else’s highlight reel for years to come.
These all seem to be points that Oluwale Bamgbose is coming face to face with, following his 2nd round KO at the hands of Alessio Di Chirico at UFC on FOX: Lawler vs. dos Anjos. Bamgbose fought an uncharacteristically tentative bout against the Italian – landing all of four strikes in round 1, and just six in round 2 – before getting poster-ized by a clinch knee that dropped him face first on the canvas.
In the days since, Bamgbose has taken to Twitter to vent his frustrations over fan reactions to his loss, and over the realities of a fighting career in general.
I maybe a loser, a failure& weak, but God still always WINS and he always has the last SAY. God will always have his way. Truth is I made it this far off of his strength. Bc of that I will always belong to him. God your LOVE is enough for me. I just ask that you take care of me❤
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 19, 2017
This is about my legacy as a fighter. I will be back to clear up that loss &it doesnt matter where or how. It could be 1, 2 or 3 years from now but I will leave combat sports the way I entered faithful to God. U try fighting when ur worth is devalued or if u suffered for nothing! https://t.co/QJnqTe9fmx
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 19, 2017
Some mma fans are some of the worst human beings alive & I would rather die than compete for their entertainment. I want to compete @ my best for respectful & loyal fans. Who are true to martial arts. Not scumbag fans who enjoy our pain but boo strategy. U forget we get paid SHIT
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 19, 2017
This was directed to fans at the arena I just fought at. Only if they knew man what it took for me to be there and how for their entertainment I risked it all. But to get boo'd makes me realize that potentially dying for these people or having life long injuries isnt worth it.
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 20, 2017
Another thing fighters pay should be discreet especially if they make under a certain amount bc that amount u just tweeted is..? Say it for me lol. If u made it big would u like to risk your life for that amount? When fighters make over 100k per fight maybe then all should know https://t.co/Sw9h65LeWd
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 19, 2017
Gambling ones life isnt fun but when ur on the winning side its worth it. When ur losing side, a sense of hopelessness sets in. I think most mma fans are respectful for the most part but all need to know we literally risk our lives in there& u cant rush or boo anyone in there! https://t.co/K2PxY4qsTZ
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 19, 2017
Bamgbose also revealed that, in the buildup to his Di Chirico bout, he sustained an injury falling through a roof. However, he decided to go ahead with the fight anyway, to his own regret.
Fell threw a roof doing a job almost lost my life lol. But I stayed on course. Im not taking Alessios victory away from him bc he fought well but I was still mentally& physically healing from that injury. I wish I didnt have to work &train to make it. Fighting requires % focus https://t.co/9s2LzyzI5l
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 19, 2017
Aviod re-injurying an injury I sustained. Take small damage. Stick &move & a KO will come. Not pulling the trigger caused me to get crushed & thats my fault. But when your heart is not into it what are you gonna do? When your not happy doing what u thought u loved, what do u do?
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 19, 2017
100% im tough but im not as tough as I thought I could be fighting injured. I see why guys pull out now. It has nothing to do with being tough but being rather smart about ones career. By the way I already have 3jobs including a warehouse type job lol. Doing it all to make it man
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 21, 2017
When im secure& clear minded I will explore all &the best options prior 2my return. Once certain things are taken care of I WILL ONE DAY BE ABLE TO JUST FOCUS ON ONLY FIGHTING & NOTHING ELSE. Its dangerous taking anytime way from training when fighting the BEST #LIfeLessonLearned https://t.co/IILGrfPLHY
— Oluwale♚Bamgbose (@HolyWarAngelMMA) December 21, 2017
It sounds, for the moment, like Bamgbose will be taking some time to gather himself “spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally” before returning to competition. Whether or not that’s in the UFC remains to be seen. Bamgbose’s loss to Di Chirico was his third straight, and fourth in his five fights with the promotion. It may be that the next time fans see the “Holy War Angel” it will be with another promotion entirely.