Celebrity chef Guy Fieri said he was “devastated” after video of a short greeting with Andrew and Tristan Tate at UFC 327 drew heavy online criticism. The interaction happened while Fieri was at the Kaseya Center in Miami on April 11 to watch the fights.
What happened at UFC 327
Video posted to social media shows Fieri leaning over a railing to shake hands and exchange a shoulder bump with Andrew Tate. The clip spread quickly on X and Threads and led to thousands of critical replies and calls to boycott the Food Network.
Fieri said the exchange was the first time he had met the brothers. “I did not know them or about them before that moment,” he wrote. “I do not know the Tate brothers nor do I support them in any way.” Andrew Tate replied to Fieri’s post with a GIF but offered no written comment.
Fight result and event notes
The UFC 327 main event took place the same night. Carlos Ulberg won the vacant light heavyweight title by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the first round.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Carlos Ulberg | Won the vacant light heavyweight title by first-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka |
| Jiri Prochazka | Lost by first-round knockout to Carlos Ulberg |
The card also drew other high-profile attendees. Jon Jones was in attendance, which renewed discussion about his fighting future. Former President Donald Trump was also at the arena, continuing a pattern of celebrity appearances at major UFC events.
Legal context and public reaction
Andrew and Tristan Tate have not been convicted of any crime. Romanian prosecutors have charged the brothers with forming an organized crime group that allegedly sexually exploited women; the brothers deny the charges. A Romanian court lifted travel restrictions on them on April 6, days before UFC 327.
Andrew Tate also faces a civil trial in the United Kingdom set for June 22. That case involves allegations of sexual violence and coercive control brought by four women; Tate denies those claims.
Reactions to Fieri’s statement were split. Some critics said a public figure like Fieri should recognize Andrew Tate, a prominent social media figure. Others defended Fieri, saying he simply returned a greeting from people who spoke to him in a crowded arena. Fieri noted past scrutiny after he was photographed greeting Donald Trump at UFC 290 in 2023.
Looking ahead
Fieri said he was “devastated” by the backlash and asked for understanding as he said he had no prior knowledge of or support for the Tate brothers. The incident is another example of how celebrity sightings at big UFC events often create as much conversation as the fights themselves.
