Did you backtrack? Paulo Borrachinha clarifies statement after dismissing Brazilian fans: 'I love them all'

Paulo borrachinha is a standout among the UFC middleweights. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Paulo borrachinha has been the target of criticism since stated not needing the support of Brazilian fans. However, according to the fighter himself, the interpretation of his words doesn't reflect reality. The Minas Gerais native claims he wasn't generalizing his words and that the disdain is directed only at a specific segment of his Brazilian followers.

In Instagram story posts, Borrachinha reiterated his affection and gratitude for the Brazilian public. He emphasized the importance of Brazilian fans in his career and highlighted the positive energy he feels when being around them.

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"Hello, my friends from Brazil, look, I even commented that someone took the interview out of context, saying I despise Brazilian fans, which is completely untrue. My first and biggest fans are from Brazil, even before the UFC. I love them all; anyone who comes into contact with me can sense the energy and happiness I feel from being with Brazilian fans," he said. Paulo borrachinha.

Despite his admiration for his fans, Borrachinha makes it clear that he has no regard for the so-called 'haters.' The fighter claims he despises this group and that the more he expresses this sentiment, the more criticism he receives, creating a cycle that, according to him, ends up contributing to the promotion of his fights.

"However, I despise the haters, I don't need them, and the more I despise them, the more they hate, which creates a vicious cycle, and what's good ends up being good for the promotion. But I don't despise the Brazilian fans, because that part was biased, you know that," concluded the Minas Gerais native.

'I don't need the Brazilian public,' says Paulo Borrachinha

The statement that drew criticism from fans came during an interview with 'Ag. Fight,' where the middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) emphasized that he doesn't see the need to rely on the support of Brazilian fans to succeed in the UFC. In his view, the sport is global, and an athlete's career doesn't depend solely on acceptance in their own country to generate results, sales, or relevance.

"But really, I don't need the Brazilian audience. I don't think anyone in the UFC does. What are you going to do there? Sell product? Sell tickets? Sell pay-per-view? I don't think it makes sense. Honestly, my family is Brazilian, my coaches are, but the sport is international," he concluded. Paulo borrachinha.