Johnny Walker's fiancee has hit back at trolls after receiving "disgusting" messages online following the UFC star's recent defeat.
The Brazilian was knocked out by Jamahal Hill in the first round of their main event bout in Las Vegas over the weekend.
Tara Campbell saw the cruel messages as she sat in a hospital waiting room while her partner was being seen by medical staff after the UFC Fight Night event.
And the Irishwoman says Walker's comeback "will be far greater than this setback" as she took aim at those who sent the messages.
She wrote on Instagram: "Sometimes you’re the hammer. Sometimes you’re the nail.
"Proud of you always.
"And just a note in response to the onslaught of comments online. And the disgusting DMs I’ve received from fake or private accounts antagonising me, and/or ridiculing Johnny. How fucking dare you.
"This is a sport. No one but the athletes and their inner circle know the sacrifices the athletes make. The effort and dedication that goes into a camp. The training. The early mornings. The late nights. The diet. The sleep. The recovery. The impact it has on those around them. The mentality.
"This fight didn’t go Johnny’s way.
"For most of you, this is a sport you enjoy watching and knock outs like Saturday’s provide entertainment factor.
"But Johnny is my fiancé. He’s a son. A brother. An uncle. A friend. He’s so much more than a meme some people have made him into.
"And perhaps my words will go unnoticed.
"But before you comment, ask yourself. When was the last time you pushed your body to its limits with training? With diet? With mentality? I know these keyboard warriors probably haven’t broken a sweat in their life and live their pathetic existence through fake or private accounts. And they probably think their comments or posts won’t be seen. But I can tell you while Johnny was in the ER, and I was in the waiting room alone- I saw the comments. I got the messages. And on a good day, it’s water off a ducks back. But on days like Saturday- they were tough.
"I get the privilege of seeing the work Johnny puts in day in and day out. And trust me. His comeback will be far greater than this setback. I love you and am so proud of you."
Walker is coached by Conor McGregor's coach John Kavanagh and he has vowed to come back stronger following the defeat.
He posted after the bout: “I’m fine, on to the next one. Thank you all for the support. Love you. This is the sport, one wins and the other one loses, but I never give up.”
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