Former two-division title challenger of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Kenny Florian has been indefinitely suspended from his duties as an analyst and commentator for the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion as a result of his "oversight" in sourcing material in a recent FOX Sports column.
Via @FOXSportsPR pic.twitter.com/CglDeRLAfe
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) January 16, 2016
The column in question took an in-depth look at the upcoming Bantamweight title main event between champion T.J. Dillashaw and the No. 1-ranked Dominick Cruz, which takes place tomorrow night (Sun., Jan. 17, 2016) in Boston. Media outlets then picked up on said "oversight," where it appeared "Ken-Flo" completely ripped off boxing analyst Lee Wylie's December video analyzing 1940's star boxer Willie Pep and then used it as part of his own breakdown.
Numerous accusations sent the way of FOX Sports stating that Florian plagiarized Wylie's work word-for-word prompted the network to issue an editor's note.
Florian, who retired from MMA competition in 2012 with an overall record of 14-6, issued a formal apology, which you can read below, contacted Wylie directly, who responded in a classy manner.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) January 15, 2016
Show me someone who hasn't made a mistake, and I'll show you a liar. It's not the end of the world. https://t.co/q1tItgwUaI
— Lee John Wylie (@LeeWylie1) January 15, 2016
Feeling pretty shitty right now. Kenny is a good guy.
— Lee John Wylie (@LeeWylie1) January 16, 2016
There's no telling where the former Ultimate Fighter season one finalist goes from here.
We'll see if Florian's reputation stands the test of time. In the meantime, he'll be resting his head in some cozy new digs.