UFC commentator Jon Anik calls for MLB umpire to be "punched in the teeth"

Jon Anik took to Twitter to voice a strong opinion on some events that occurred during a baseball game. Anik said on Twitter:

"When assault should be legal. Someone ought to punch that umpire in the teeth."

Check out Anik's Tweet here:

This was in response to the umpire's signal in the game. The umpire appears to drop the ball into the catcher's glove, but the catcher puts his hand back down. The umpire appears to take offense to this, and ejects the catcher from the game altogether.

This clearly appears to be a misunderstanding and not intentional on the part of the player. Anik reacted, stating that he believed the referee's ego was inflated, and that the decision was totally unwarranted. Anik boldly encouraged assault and violence against the referee, leaving fans somewhat perplexed at just how strongly he responded to the event.

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Fans were surprised by Jon Anik's reaction, one fan nicknames him 'The Notorious'

Fans on Twitter expressed surprise at Anik's outburst. Anik, typically known as a consummate professional and a company man, is rarely at the center of controversy. This time, however, fans responded to his tweet.

One fan took to Twitter to christen Anik 'The Notorious,' alluding to the brash and outspoke Conor McGregor.

Another fan also believed Anik reacted somewhat aggressively, stating:

"Jon woke up and chose violence"

User Barrsky85 on Twitter also backed up that sentiment, suggesting that this was quite a departure from the Jon Anik fans know and love:

"Jesus, Jon has gone rogue!!"

Another user @ozzy8118 saw the lighter side of things and referenced Colby Covington's recent attacks on Jon Anik as part of the reason why the UFC commentator and analyst was all fired up:

"Colby brought a different side outta Anik"

This was in reference to Covington's recent threats against Anik. In an interview, Covington reacted to Jon Anik's statement that Belal Muhammad was just as, if not more, deserving of a title shot than Covington.

Anik said that Muhammad was on a 9-fight win streak and is coming off a KO victory over an undefeated fighter in Sean Brady. Covington reacted strongly, calling out Anik for his comments.

Watch as Covington assaults Anik here: