Fighter Fashion: The Most Iconic Outfits Fighters Wore to Weigh-Ins

Scales are mandatory in any combat sports event, most especially in the UFC. Athletes are required to weigh in so that they can compete within their categories, but over the years, weigh has also become more than that, but a platform on which fighters can show off their personalities, make statements, and even give fashion moments. While most fighters wear just fight shorts and a t-shirt or a tracksuit, some fighters have used their chances to express themselves and make some statements, which are remembered for years.

When it comes to UFC fighters, some of them have been seen in the weirdest and most outrageous outfits during weigh-ins, costumes, and eccentric outfits. Well, let’s take a closer look at some of the most striking pieces of clothing that were seen as sensational, scandalous, and stimulating by the MMA audiences all over the world.

Conor McGregor: The “Gucci Mink Coat” (UFC 205)

Conor McGregor is no stranger to showboating, and this is not limited to the fighting area but also to his lifestyle. On the UFC 205 weigh-in, McGregor arrived in style wearing a white Gucci mink coat, no shirt, and red sweat pants. It was the coat by itself that turned into an overnight hit, not just because of the price that was said to be over thirty thousand dollars, but for the outrageousness of the ensemble.

This was McGregor, the fighter who was preparing for the biggest fight of his career, the fight in which he was to make history and become the first UFC fighter to win two belts at the same time, lightweight and featherweight. The outfit represented his cocky attitude and the kinglike authority he had in the UFC. This coat became one of the main topics of discussions along with McGregor’s fight with Eddie Alvarez.

Israel Adesanya: The “Naruto Headband” (UFC 243)

The Nigerian-born Australian fighter Israel Adesanya, who is also well-known for his anime and pop culture obsession, thought that it would be entertaining to bring it to life during the weigh-in for the UFC 243 bout. Before his fight with Robert Whittaker for the middleweight title, Adesanya came into the ring with a Naruto headband, a character from the anime series.

Adesanya’s choice of clothing was not just a tribute to the fans; it was his story. Like Naruto, who is not a prodigy at the beginning of the series but becomes one by the end, Adesanya’s career was the same. This headband was, as a result, associated with his journey to becoming one of the greatest middleweight UFC fighters. That synergy of pop culture and combat sports helped to build his brand, and the anime fans took him in as one of their own.

Paulo Costa, The Gladiator Look, UFC 253.

Paulo Costa, a muscular and strong fighter who has a rather active approach in the octagon, imitated ancient warriors during the weigh-ins prior to UFC 253. Before his title fight with Israel Adesanya, Costa appeared at the weigh-in in a Roman gladiator helmet and cloak. The clothing was appropriate to his character: a real-life gladiator preparing for the battle in the cage known as the Octagon.

Thus, the gladiator look was not only for show in Costa’s case. He thought of himself as the warrior of the old world, ready to fight anyone in his way. As for the fight, Costa didn’t stand a chance, but the weigh-in look will be remembered. Some fans compared him to the characters of the movie ‘Gladiator’ and pointed out the degree of menace that he was trying to convey—at least for a few seconds.

Sean O’Malley, “Rainbow Afro and Tie-Dye” (Various Events)

I am glad that Sean O’Malley has always been a fighter with his own unique flair that is a clear representation of his character, at least outside of the Octagon. Owing to his preference for bright colors and patterns, O’Malley has always caused stir among people, especially at weigh-ins. During UFC 250, he perhaps had one of his memorable fashion moments; he wore an afro wig painted in rainbow colors and a tie-dye shirt that symbolized his ‘Sugar’ character.

It is for this reason that O’Malley’s style is as much part of his persona as his punching ability. His clothes, whether they are colorful wigs, bright tie-and-dye shirts, or colored shorts, reflect his personality. It seems that fans expect something eccentric from O’Malley at weigh-ins, which makes him one of the most striking fighters in the UFC.

Tom Lawlor, “Dan Severn Tribute” (UFC 113)

Before the era of funny weigh-ins, Tom Lawlor, who always cracked jokes while doing weigh-ins, had the most memorable weigh-in ever at UFC 113 when he mimicked UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn. Lawlor hopped onto the scale wearing a mustache, wrestling singlet, and warm-up jacket, copying the look that Severn had during early UFC days.

This was not mere humor; this was Lawlor, who took the opportunity to honor one of the legends of the sport. The thick mustache and the old-school wrestling trunks made it one of the most discussed weigh-in moments of that event. Lawlor paid his respect to Severn in a very entertaining manner while at the same time acknowledging Severn’s love for MMA history.

Ronda Rousey—Rowdy Roddy Piper Tribute UFC 175

Ronda Rousey, one of the most popular fighters in the history of the UFC, often referred to her background in pro-wrestling and one of the most famous wrestlers in the world—WWE “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, from which she borrowed her nickname “Rowdy.” In the preparation for UFC 175 Rousey wore a “Hot Rod” tank top to the weigh-ins, which was the same shirt that Piper used to wear.

Rousey had a feeling towards Piper, as Piper had given his approval to her to use the nickname “Rowdy” in her initial days. The fact that she wore his famous shirt was her way of paying tribute to the impact that he had on her character. The fans of both MMA and pro wrestling enjoyed the moment, and with Rousey’s tribute, she cemented herself as the connection between the two sports.

BJ Penn, “Hula Skirt and Lei” (UFC 137).

It is incredible to see BJ Penn, one of the best lightweight fighters in the history of MMA, always wearing Hawaiian pride on his chest. For UFC 137, Penn elevated his cultural sensitivity to a new level by arriving at the weigh-in with a hula skirt and Hawaiian lei.

This outfit not only depicted Penn’s association with his roots but also made the ceremony more special and close to the heart. To Penn, this was not some sort of disguise; this was an opportunity to pay respect to his heritage and to the Hawaiian culture. The fans loved it, and it was one of the most memorable weigh-in outfits in the history of the UFC.

Tito Ortiz, “The American Flag” (Various Events).

Tito Ortiz, who is one of the most controversial personalities in the history of the UFC, has never been shy to express himself and show his patriotism. Over the course of his career, Ortiz liked to come out to the weigh-in with the American flag and sometimes a message that reflected his political and personal views.

Ortiz’s weigh-ins where he would carry the flag were as much a part of his character as was the “bad boy” nickname. Whether they could have liked or disliked him, Ortiz wore patriotic clothes that were part of his persona. It wasn’t just selling a fight; he was selling principles and making statements during the weigh-in.

Colby Covington, “Donald Trump Bathrobe” (UFC 245)

Colby Covington, a fighter who loves to court controversy, upped the ante in the political arena at the UFC 245 weigh-ins. Covington proceeded to the stage wearing a Donald Trump bathrobe, sunglasses, and an American flag draped over his shoulder.

As a staunch Trump supporter and a popular figure with MAGA persona, Covington knew his attire would be provocative and would help him create awareness of the fight. The costume of the robe and the flag that accompanied the performer were met with applause and jeers depending on the political affiliation of the onlookers. Whether the people liked it or not, it marked Covington as a marketing ploy and made him one of the most discussed fighters going into the event.

Genki Sudo, “Robot Costume” (UFC 47).

Genki Sudo, who is a fighter who is as famous for his theatrics as he is for his fighting skills, got one of the most eye-catching weigh-in outfits to UFC 47. Sudo arrived at the scale wearing what looked like a robot outfit with silver armor and a helmet. This outfit was a rehearsal, as such, of the more flamboyant exits he would later become famous for.

Sudo’s choice of outfit was not just for show; it was his vision of martial arts as performance art; the robot costume became his vision of fighting and a desire to entertain the fans in every aspect of it, even at the weigh-ins.

Conclusion

In recent years, the UFC weigh-ins have become much more than just a tradition where fighters step on the scale, but a platform for the fighters to show a little flare, a platform to market their fight, and a platform to have fun. From mink coats and anime headbands to gladiator helmets and robot costumes, fighters have not only sought to make a statement but to have that statement be memorable. Whether they are celebrating icons, promoting their ethnicity, or simply clowning around, these fighters have made weigh-ins into much more than the simple announcement of a fighter’s weight.

These are the legendary attires that are a testament that MMA is not only about the battle, but it’s also about the performance, the spectacle, and the performers who make the cage exciting. The trend of weigh-ins is only set to become even more popular, and therefore, the fans are likely to see even more elaborate and unique styles from the fighters who want to make their presence felt before heading into the cage.