“Both these fighters have dealt with custody battles involving their children.” — Jon Anik
Those were the infamous 11 words uttered by UFC commentator Jon Anik during a fight between Andre Ewell and Chris Gutierrez in an empty UFC APEX in February 2021. The clip has since gone viral and is widely regarded as one of the most shocking comments Anik has ever made on a live broadcast.
Andre Ewell Talks About Jon Anik
During an interview I conducted with Andre Ewell, he shared his perspective on that infamous moment.
“It just sucked because I feel if it was not in the pandemic, you know the whole nine, and it was in front of a big audience, I don’t think anybody would really be tripping because it got dead silent.”
With no fans in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions, both fighters were able to hear Anik’s comment in the middle of the fight. Despite the controversy, Ewell says he still has nothing but respect for the longtime UFC commentator.
“Jon cared. It wasn’t one of those moments where he didn’t care. It was coming from a kind heart when he said that, and Jon’s cool as hell. So it came from a kind heart and, at the same time, he was in the moment. I think he ended up catching on to it later. I told him, ‘Oh no, it was cool.’ But that’s just my opinion on the situation.”
As of 2026, Andre Ewell still does not have custody of his oldest son, Leo. He told me that his ongoing fight to see his son has become one of his biggest sources of motivation. Ewell also has a 6-year-old son, June, whom he is raising alongside his longtime partner, Anna.
His opponent that night, Chris Gutierrez, did not share the same feelings. In a since-deleted tweet, Gutierrez criticized Anik, saying the comment was far too personal to be shared on a national broadcast.
andre ewell preparing to Fight daniel lacerda at Karate combat:
Now, Andre Ewell is preparing for his return to the pit at Karate Combat 62 on Friday, where he will face fellow UFC veteran Daniel Lacerda in a 145-pound bout. Ewell has competed for Karate Combat since 2024 and expects an action-packed fight.
Speaking about Lacerda, Ewell said:
“I know he’s exciting. I believe he comes from [Charles] Oliveira’s camp and, at the same time, he puts on a show. And the best part about that is that he’s fighting someone who loves to put on a show. I am the show. The performance maker. True entertainer, you know, got me feeling like I’m in WWF back in the heyday. I feel like Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart. The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be. That’s me.”
Ewell competed in the UFC from 2018 to 2021, compiling a 4-5 record with notable victories over former champion Renan Barao and Jonathan Martinez. He most recently competed for Karate Combat on May 2, when he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Shahzaib Rind.
Lacerda fought in the UFC from 2021 to 2024, posting a record of 0-5 with one no contest. Although he never earned a victory inside the Octagon, he received Fight of the Night honors for his 2023 bout against CJ Vergara. This will be Lacerda’s second fight in just 15 days after “Miojo” picked up a second-round submission victory at Tuff-N-Uff 155 earlier this month.
Both Ewell and Lacerda are known for their aggressive, offense-first styles, often placing entertainment ahead of defense. That combination has all the ingredients for a memorable fight.
Fans can watch Karate Combat 62 live on the promotion’s YouTube channel. The event begins Friday, July 24, at 7 p.m.
I’d like to thank Andre Ewell for taking the time to speak with me, discuss some difficult personal topics, and provide insight into his upcoming fight. Check out the full exclusive interview on LowKickMMA Youtube here:
