Charles Radtke feels he has a specific purpose heading into his fight in Canada this Saturday.
The fighter from Illinois is scheduled to compete against Mike Malott in a welterweight fight at UFC 315 in Montreal. This is the only bout on the event featuring an American versus a Canadian. Considering recent political disagreements between the nations, particularly regarding trade issues, Radtke was questioned about his feelings on the atmosphere as he prepares to face Malott.
During a media session on Wednesday, Radtke was specifically asked about Canada`s victory over the U.S. in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off championship in February. This hockey series included an instance where the U.S. national anthem was booed by Canadian fans before the first game. He was asked if this sports rivalry held any importance for him.
Radtke responded, stating, “I don`t care about hockey; it`s not my sport.” However, he emphasized, “What is important to me is that I was raised on a bison ranch by my grandfather, a Marine Corps Sergeant Major. When you [Canadians] booed the national anthem, someone will have to be held accountable for that. Someone tried to justify it by saying, `Oh, well, you booed them the week after,` but that doesn`t make it acceptable.”
He added that he takes the anthem incident personally because he grew up with deep respect for the flag, even changing dozens of flags at his home annually. He warned that the consequences of the booing would be evident in his performance.
When asked to deliver a message to the Canadian spectators attending the event at Bell Centre this Saturday, his reply was brief.
Radtke`s message was, “Basically, f*ck you.”
Radtke is accustomed to facing hostile crowds. After securing a victory against Blood Diamond in his UFC debut at UFC 293 in Sydney, the audience, largely favoring New Zealand`s Diamond, booed him. Radtke, known as “Chuck Buffalo,” reacted with a homophobic slur, for which he later offered an apology.
Considering Mike Malott`s significant popularity in Canada, Radtke is expected to encounter a similarly unwelcoming reception from the Montreal audience, something he says he welcomes.
Speaking with feigned apprehension, Radtke mocked the idea of being intimidated by the crowd. He commented, “I think I`m going to be really nervous… I think I`m going to be really scared walking in there. Maybe that`s what it will be. Is that what you expect? That`s what you`re hoping for, right? That won`t happen.”
