Former UFC middleweight reacts to alleged childhood picture of controversial boxer Imane Khelif: “I’m so confused”

With the controversy surrounding female boxer Imane Khelif at the 2024 Summer Olympics, several professional boxers and MMA fighters have weighed in with their thoughts. Many agree with those claiming that Khelif should not have been permitted to participate in the Olympics, but former UFC fighter Derek Brunson disagrees.

While Brunson initially sided with the majority, the 40-year-old stumbled on a photo going around social media supposedly showing Khelif as a young girl. The picture was not confirmed to be the Algerian boxer but Brunson believes that too many mo people “jumped the gun” in accusing Khelif of “cheating.”
Brunson tweeted:
“Wait so the internet is going NUTS over a girl they thought was a man, but turns out she’s actually a female… I’m so confused. I think y’all might’ve jumped the gun too fast on this one.”

The picture caused divided opinion on X. Some sided with Brunson in believing it was evidence that Khelif is a biological female, but others are still under the impression that the Algerian was born as a male. Multiple athletes who fall under the latter category, including former women’s boxing two-time gold medalist Claressa Shields have been outspoken in their opinions on social media.
The debate lives on with Khelif currently undefeated in the Paris Olympics.

Imane Khelif’s controversial win over Angela Carini
The rumors of Imane Khelif being a transgender woman even began before the Olympics kicked off, with reports claiming that the boxer failed a gender test in 2023. The public outrage only intensified after Khelif beat Angela Carini in the opening round in just 46 seconds.
Carini took one right hand from Khelif before stopping the fight and quitting in her corner, saying she had “never been hit so hard” in her life.

Carini refused to shake Khelif’s hand after the fight and instead crumbled in the ring after the decision was read and broke into tears.
Khelif is scheduled to face Anna Luca Hamori of Hungary on Aug. 3 in her next Olympic appearance.