Racially Motivated: Finnish Fighter Not Shy About Prejudices

Michael David Smith of Fanhouse was first to recognize the volatile skin art of Finnish fighter Toni Valtonen, uncovered during an HDNet broadcast on Friday: Voltonen, who has a 19-9 record, competed with dressing tape over his “White Pride” and swastika tattoos that eventually worked their way off.

"I had a crazy and rebellious youth, I made some faults in my past and I am not proud of these marks,” Voltonen said in a statement. “I regret that I ever had these tattoos made. Nowadays I am a dedicated family man and professional athlete, and I am not involved in any politics whatsoever." Clearly not -- what could possibly give us that idea?

Voltonen joins a list of athletes in the sport who have appeared sporting highly dubious markings. While I’m all for free speech -- and continue a dogged campaign for my employers to let me utilize “motherf--ker” in an industry where it’s almost a daily necessity -- a certain level of tact should be maintained. I couldn’t get a job as a bank teller or pizza delivery man with “White Pride” on my forehead: why should Voltonen get work in a shirtless job? Have your beliefs, but enjoy the consequences.