Unorthodox Training Methods: How Fighters Prepare for Battle in Unique Ways
MMA is one of the most challenging and unpredictable sports in the world, which is why many people like it. As it has been established in the cage, it takes one to possess endurance, efficiency, character, and versatility to be a champion. While most fighters have disciplined training schedules that include weightlifting, sparring, grappling, and cardiovascular exercises, some fighters go the extra mile and try out some extra-ordinary training methods. Such strategies are not typical and can draw quite a lot of attention, but at the same time, they represent a search for novel possibilities to enhance the human body. Whether it means exposing oneself to extreme environmental conditions, utilizing mental endowment through other unconventional methods, or merely concentrating on minor, less known strategies, these fighters have discovered different ways of getting ready for fights. Here is a glimpse of the most interesting, bizarre, and practical unconventional training that MMA fighters apply to prepare for the fight of their lives. Wanderlei Silva: The Use of Sledge Hammers and Tire Work Wanderlei Silva, or as he is better known, “The Axe Murderer,” is a true Pride FC and UFC veteran with a very tough fighting style. One of the most brutal exercises that Silva used in his preparation for the war was a sledgehammer workout on a giant tractor tire. Lifting a sledgehammer and bringing it down is not just a matter of strength but of coordination, core muscles, and accuracy. Thus, through beating the tire, Silva was developing his striking power, endurance, and conditioning besides mimicking the cyclical, power-based movements that are common in the cage. Tire work also helped in creating an imitation of the rotational force that is used in hooks, uppercuts, and body shots. This training enabled Silva to create the knockout power that later on turned him into one of the most dangerous strikers of his generation. Tony Ferguson: Training on the Edge of Insanity Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson is one of the weirdest and most unpredictable MMA fighters of all time, and his training regimen is equally strange. Ferguson is well-known for his creativity, and he includes a wide variety of movements in his training, including gymnastics and parkour, Wing Chun, and even break-dancing. One of them is the use of yoga balls and other unstable objects during the throwing of strikes or even while practicing defensive movements, and he has to perform all these while standing on the balls. The rationale for this is to create harmony, rhythmic movements, and body awareness, or what is referred to as proprioception. During scrambles, not getting taken down and regaining balance when both fighters fall down are essential during a fight. Ferguson’s balance drills are odd, but they help to extend the body’s ability to adapt to these positions and remain in control during fights inside the Octagon. Ferguson has also been heard to have trained with the wooden Wing Chun dummies to improve his hand speed and elbowing techniques. Thanks to his special preparation, he can keep a very high work rate in the cage, thus constantly putting his opponents under pressure. Conor McGregor: Movement Philosophy with Ido Portal Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor revolutionized the fighting game not only with his striking and cocky attitude but with his rather unconventional mobility. Before his fight with José Aldo at UFC 194, McGregor introduced a specialist called Ido Portal to introduce a range of unconventional approaches to movement training, flexibility, and coordination. Portal’s movement philosophy includes aspects of capoeira, gymnastics, and even animalistic movements. The purpose of such an approach is to train the muscles and help the body become as flexible as possible to enable it to twist in various directions. For McGregor, this was necessary in carving out the smooth, almost ballet-like movement in his feet that earned him the nickname ‘Mayweather’. Portal has been instrumental in shaping the movement of the Irish fighter inside the cage, always circling his opponent, attacking from different angles, and slipping his opponent’s punches. This unusual concentration allowed McGregor to strike creatively and turn into the maestro of timing and range. Diego Sanchez: The School of Self-Awareness Diego ‘The Nightmare’ Sanchez, a fighter who is famed for his grit and exciting fights, is something of a rebel anyway, but his recent training regime has really upped the ante. In the training camp led by an unorthodox coach, Joshua Fabia, Sanchez performed one of the most bizarre training sessions that MMA fans have ever seen, called the “School of Self-Awareness.” Part of Fabia’s training was for her to run blindfolded through obstacle courses and do balancing exercises as she was simulating being attacked by Fabia with a stick. One of the videos that caused a huge stir on the internet was when Sanchez was hanged upside down while Fabia was attacking him physically by slapping and punching him hard, allegedly to enhance his damage-taking capacity. As much as this training program was heavily criticized by both the fans and fighters, Sanchez had no qualms with Fabia’s outlandish approach, attributing his mental toughness and readiness to fight to the training that he received from this program. Despite the fact that many people regarded the School of Self-Awareness as something close to quackery, it is an example of a fighter’s desire to try something that is outside the mainstream in order to gain an advantage—be it a physical or a mental one. Lyoto Machida: Drinking His Own Urine The biggest shock for MMA fans was Lyoto Machida, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, who used to base his fighting style on karate, but it turned out that he was also a believer in a rather questionable healing method called urine therapy. Machida himself confessed that he drinks his own urine in the morning every day asserting that his father used to do the same. Machida felt that taking urine had some benefits in purging his system and boosting his immune system, which he felt were essential factors in his well-being
When MMA Fighters Tried (and Failed) in Pro Wrestling.
MMA and professional wrestling may seem to be related disciplines; both are physically demanding, dramatic, highly popular, and feature larger-than-life characters. Still, it is possible to notice that the physical and stylistic change is quite similar, but the shift from one to another is not as smooth as it could be. Some of the MMA fighters who have transitioned into the pro wrestling ring have sometimes been overwhelmed by the dramatic nature of the sport. Still, there are some fighters who have been able to transition from MMA to pro wrestling successfully, for example, Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey, but there are those who have tried and have failed in the process of translating their skills and character in the wrestling ring. In this article, you will get to know about some of the MMA fighters who attempted to make a career in pro wrestling but failed or whose career was not as successful as expected. Dan Severn: The Beast Who Couldn’t Find His Place Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn is among the first generation of fighters in MMA and boasts of a great record that includes being a UFC Hall of Fame fighter and multiple tournament winner. Severn moved to pro-wrestling in the mid-1990s, at the time MMA was still emerging. Severn joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF in 1998. Since Severn is ex-military and has a legitimate fighting style and the build, he should have been a perfect candidate. Still, Severn’s time in pro wrestling was short of great. His serious look and serious attitude towards fighting did not fit the flamboyancy of professional wrestling. Severn was quite a dominant figure in the field of MMA; however, he lacked that appeal that would make the wrestling enthusiasts connect with him. He was involved in rivalries with other big stars such as Owen Hart and Ken Shamrock; however, he was not very vocal, and his shoot-fighting style did not fit the scripted nature of the business. Severn later joined the WWF and went back to MMA and never replicated the same success in wrestling as he did in MMA. Ken Shamrock: Promising Beginnings, Subsequent Setbacks Ken Shamrock is one of the most vivid examples of an MMA fighter who started from pro wrestling and then had a hard time succeeding. Shamrock is known as “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” and enjoyed a successful career in the MMA, especially in the early years of the UFC. He first appeared in WWF in 1997, and like most of the MMA fighters, he had a smooth transition to the world of pro wrestling, at least for the first couple of years. Shamrock had a fierce look about him and was quite athletic, which made him a star in the WWF at the time of the late nineties. He also had incredible rivalries with The Rock, Bret Hart, and Stone Cold Steve Austin and was also the Intercontinental Champion. Although, after the exit from the WWF in 1999, all the efforts to come back to the pro wrestling ring by Shamrock were not successful. However, in the mid-2000s, his in-ring performances had deteriorated, and he could not get to the level he was before. He had not been able to recreate the success of his initial stint in the ring, and his MMA career had also started declining at that time, but he had made appearances in some of the lower-tier wrestling promotions, including TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling). This is especially true since Shamrock’s later wrestling career is regarded by many as a failure after his successful return. Cain Velasquez: A UFC Champion, A Wrestling Disappointment Cain Velasquez is one of the most dominant heavyweights in UFC history and the two-time UFC heavyweight champion. Following injuries that ended his MMA career, Velasquez made the rather unanticipated transition to becoming a professional wrestler. In 2019, he joined Lucha Libre AAA, and fans were amazed at his flexibility and ability to adjust to the Lucha style of wrestling. It is said that Velasquez’s performances in AAA attracted the attention of WWE, and he was hired by the company. He began his WWE career in October 2019 and was immediately placed in a storyline with Brock Lesnar, the man he knocked down in the UFC to capture the UFC heavyweight title in 2010. But Velasquez’s time in WWE was a complete nightmare. His match with Lesnar in Crown Jewel 2019 only lasted for two minutes, and Velasquez, who was still nursing his knee injuries, did not do well. The issue of charisma, lack of exposure to WWE-style pro wrestling, and real-life injuries also played a big role in Velasquez’s inability to fit into WWE’s sports entertainment. Velasquez only competed in one match for WWE and was quietly let go by the company in 2020, and his pro wrestling career never got off the ground as it was cut short. Ronda Rousey: From Loved to Hated Ronda Rousey can be regarded as one of the pioneers of women’s MMA. She is the first-ever women’s bantamweight champion of the UFC; she was a crossover star, dominating her division, before her MMA career was cut short by a couple of devastating losses. Rousey joined WWE in 2018 and initially had a lot of success in the company, making her entrance at Wrestlemania 34. Rousey’s physicality and ferociousness made her a prominent star on the WWE women’s roster, and she captured the Raw Women’s Title soon after. However, as time passed, her MMA background that used to be an asset started to become more of a disadvantage. People booed Rousey, and she appeared to be out of her depth in terms of what is expected in wrestling in terms of the mic skills and character creation. Also, she did not have a long career in wrestling, and this was evident when her matches were not as impressive as they were when she started. By the time Rousey made her final appearance in WWE in August 2023, she had moved
The Strangest Injuries Fighters Sustained in the Octagon
MMA is a rather violent and very intense form of fighting that is done in the cage, where fighters go through all sorts of rigorous tests. Although the excitement of fighting and the techniques of different martial arts are engaging in MMA, it is also very dangerous. Bleeders, who are used to going through the most severe pains, have received some of the most peculiar and gruesome injuries in the course of the fighters’ evolution. Such injuries are not only severe but also peculiar and unusual, which makes the audience, athletes, and coaching crews stunned. Here we take a look at some of the strangest and most unforgettable injuries that fighters have received in the Octagon. Matt Mitrione’s Double Eye Swelling Former NFL player turned mixed martial artist Matt ‘The Big Slow’ Mitrione has faced his fair share of hard-hitting opponents, but his fight against Travis Browne at UFC Fight Night 81 in January 2016 shocked fans. In the match, Mitrione received not only one but two incredibly unpleasant eye injuries. Browne poked Mitrione in the right eye, and the eye began to swell immediately, but things escalated to the stranger when Browne landed a clean shot that made the left eye swollen as well. At the end of the fight, Mitrione’s both eyes were swollen, and he could not even open them properly. This feeling Mitrione later described as being as if he felt like his ‘eye was going to pop out of my head’. The swelling was horrendous, and Mitrione’s face looked like something out of a horror film. It was horrifying to see both of his eyes swell up in such a manner, and although eye injuries are not a rare occurrence in MMA, it had never happened that both his eyes were swollen. Anderson Silva’s Leg Snap One of the most horrific incidents in MMA history is the leg injury of Anderson Silva in his fight with Chris Weidman in December 2013 at UFC 168. Silva, who is arguably one of the best fighters in mixed martial arts, was in the process of trying to regain the middleweight belt when he attempted a leg kick, which was met with a good check by Weidman. The impact of the collision led to Silva’s shin being broken and folded around Weidman’s leg in an awful display of human body. The incident of the leg break of Silva shocked the MMA community, and fans and commentators could not believe their eyes when they saw it. Silva fell to the ground and was writhing in agony as his leg was dislocated. The injury needed surgery to put a titanium rod in his leg, and it took him over a year to be back on his feet. This injury is a vivid illustration of the dangers that the fighters are exposed to every time they step into the Octagon. Alistair Overeem’s Lip Split Alistair Overeem, one of the scariest heavyweights in MMA, fought Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the December 2019 UFC on ESPN 7. After four rounds of intensive fighting, it was seen that Overeem got closer to the win. Nevertheless, only a few seconds before the end of the final round, Rozenstruik delivered a punch that cut Overeem’s lip in what can only be described as one of the most unexpected manners. The punch landed right on Overeem’s upper lip and cut it almost in half up to the nose as a result of the punch. Blood gushed out, and his bottom lip hung low as he moved around the Octagon like a punch-drunk fighter. The extent of the injury was rather gruesome, but Overeem was rather composed and even walked out of the cage on his own. The cut needed many stitches to close it, but it just shows how strong and hardy any of the MMA fighters are, given that Overeem did not even flinch at having a part of his face cut open. Jon Jones’ Toe Break It is a known fact that even the best fighters are not safe from freak injuries, and Jon “Bones” Jones is considered one of the best fighters in MMA history. In his match against Chael Sonnen at UFC 159 in April 2013, Jones clearly won the fight, which was stopped in the first round. However, during the fight, Jones suffered a bizarre and painful injury: His right big toe was avulsed, or nearly severed from the rest of the toe. Jones himself could not know how serious the injury was until after the bout, when he tried to look down and found his toe loose. It was a bad break that the bone was actually broken through the skin, and I don’t know how the fight wasn’t stopped because of it. If the fight had continued for a longer duration, Jones may have had to retire from the bout, and this would have shifted the fortunes of the match. Although the injury was as peculiar and repulsive as it could have been, Jones was able to take the victory; however, the fight was a clear indication that not even toes would be safe in the course of the fight. Leslie Smith’s Exploding Ear In her UFC debut fight in November 2014 at the UFC 180 event, Leslie Smith fought Jessica Eye in a bantamweight category, and this particular fight was one of the strangest cases of injury in UFC history. Eye struck a good punch, which hit Smith’s ear, which had been previously swollen due to hematoma formation. The punch to the head made Smith’s ear burst, and blood started to come out of it in a very disgusting fashion that made the audience wince. Smith, the warrioress that she was, did not give up easily, and she was still fighting with her ear that was hanging by the thread. The referee, however, had no option but to stop the bout because of the extent of the injury. Smith’s ear that was detached from the head almost beyond recognition remained
When UFC Fighters Faced Off in Video Games: Virtual Octagon Showdowns
MMA has become more popular in the last few decades, with the UFC being the leading promoter of this phenomenon. When the MMA started to grow into a sport, so did the need to introduce the Octagon into the virtual space of video games. Many UFC fighters have not only fought inside the octagon but also fought online, which has given the fans a chance to experience what it feels like to be a warrior. This article is a look into the development of UFC fighters in video games, from the first attempts at simulating MMA to the present-day realistic face-offs that allow the fans to feel the Octagon first-hand without actually getting in it. The Early Days: UFC in Video Games The UFC entered video games at the beginning of the new millennium, as the sport was yet to gain popularity in society. Though the promotion itself was on the rise, its association with video games was not very established. The games during this period had easy controls and were not as complicated and sophisticated as the modern fighting simulators. UFC: ”Tapout” (2002)—The First Major UFC Game One of the earliest UFC games to capture the attention of gamers and MMA fans alike was UFC: Tapout for the original Xbox. Released in 2002, UFC: Tapout wears most of the UFC early icons like Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, and Randy Couture, among others. Despite the game having very simple graphics compared to today’s games, the fans got a chance to enjoy virtual fighting in the Octagon. Despite its limited move sets and somewhat stiff controls, UFC: When it came to blending the intricacies of mma with the high levels of energy of video games, Tapout was in a league of its own. It was a simple fighting game with symbols of the UFC’s most famous move sets, such as submission and the ground and pound. By its standards, Tapout was a major advancement toward getting the UFC to video game systems. UFC: In “Sudden Impact” (2004) – Early Growth Two years after the release of Tapout, the UFC doubled down on its video game efforts with UFC: Sudden Impact. This game was released for PlayStation 2, and this was the second game in the series, which was more enhanced than the previous one. The graphics were slightly tweaked, roster size increased, and more fighters from the early days of the UFC were added. As crude as it may have been, Sudden Impact at least let the fans build their own fighters and try to make their way through the UFC’s expanding universe. The gameplay included changes in striking and grappling, but the overall simulations of MMA elements were not as realistic as the games of the present days. However, the promotion of UFC through video games was slowly emerging. The Modern Era: UFC Games Go to New Level When the UFC became an international organization with the largest fighting championships, so did the video games. As the graphics became better, the rosters more detailed, and the gameplay mechanics were enhanced, the UFC video games started to resemble the actual action in the cage. MMA enthusiasts could now feel the action and the planning of this sport in the palm of their hands. UFC Undisputed Series (2009-2012)—Cisko’s UFC Series Without a doubt the most significant UFC video game series was the UFC Undisputed series, which was developed by THQ. UFC games started with UFC 2009 Undisputed; it was a giant leap for the UFC games. It had realistic graphics and an improved list of characters compared to its previous editions with real-life fighters such as Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Brock Lesnar, and BJ Penn. This was a commendable aspect of the game since it captured most of the MMA aspects, including stand-up striking, grappling, and submissions. Players could punch, knee, clinch, grapple, as well as perform beautiful submission transitions, which are very close to what MMA fighters do in a fight. For the first time, fans had the real UFC experience that they had been longing to play for quite a long time. The sequel was UFC Undisputed 2010, followed by UFC Undisputed 3 in 2012, and both of them were enhancements of the previous game. The games included new characters, stages, and even Pride FC rules, so the fans were able to fight with their favorites under the Pride rules. Undisputed 3 is the one that has been considered the best UFC game during this period, providing the deepest and most accurate MMA simulation available in this generation. Strikes and Counter Strikes in “UFC Undisputed” The Undisputed series also let the fans decide the outcome of hypothetical fights that could not occur in the ring because of the difference in weight classes, fighters’ retirements, or whether they belonged to different generations. For example, players could match up such big names as Chuck Liddell with a new generation in Jon Jones or fantasy bouts such as Anderson Silva vs. Georges St-Pierre. Such virtual fights created interest among the fans because it was entertaining to imagine the possible scenarios and to discuss how the particular fights could have ended. It also turned into a source of entertainment for people who wanted to see their favorite fighters compete in a more dynamic way. EA Sports UFC Series: The Ultimate Virtual Octagon EA Sports, which is famous for its sports games such as FIFA and Madden series, assumed the rights for the creation of UFC-based video games in 2014 and came up with EA Sports UFC. The game was a step up in terms of realism and graphics, mainly due to the help from EA in the field of sports simulation. “EA Sports UFC” (2014-Present): When Realism Goes Up a Notch The original EA Sports UFC game was well received because of its realism, which was evident from the excellent graphics and realistic fighter models. Real UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Cain Velasquez could be controlled with ease and
Surprising Friendships Between UFC Fighters and Celebrities
MMA and the UFC have grown in popularity and not only have a huge following, but the sport has also attracted famous personalities from different fields. Since UFC fighters are tough, hard-working individuals who have big personalities, it should come as no surprise that many have forged friendships with movie stars, musicians, actors, and athletes. Here, we look at some of the most surprising and popular UFC fighters and celebrities’ friendships. These friendships show that MMA is indeed for everybody and how fighters who are considered warriors inside the cage have been able to form friendships with people from different strata of society. Conor McGregor and Drake: The Rap Star and the Notorious One Conor McGregor is an international celebrity who boasts and has one of the most powerful punches in the UFC. Drake, the Grammy-winning rapper, is also a big fan of combat sports, but his affiliation with McGregor came as a shock to many of his fans. The two first came to the public limelight when Drake appeared at McGregor’s weigh-in before the boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Drake was visibly excited and started hyping up the Irishman, and their relationship grew rather quickly to become the talk of the town. Before the fight, in the press conference, McGregor welcomed Drake as a proper Irishman even though Drake is Canadian, and the two hugged. Drake remained backing McGregor in other UFC events and also on the social media platforms where the two are known to engage each other. It is for this reason that both are lovers of showbiz and thus respect each other. The cocky attitude and outrageous antics of McGregor have a nice synergy with the image of Drake as a hip-hop artist. Although McGregor has had his share of victories and losses in the octagon, his relationship with Drake remains intact, proving that they are more than just a selfie. Ronda Rousey and Demi Lovato: The Need for MMA Love: A Friendship Story UFC women’s bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, changed the face of women’s mixed martial art and is close friends with Demi Lovato. Although Lovato is mostly popular for singing and acting, she is also a very passionate fan of MMA. Lovato has been practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu for years, and he is quite a fan of UFC. It is worth mentioning that Lovato has expressed her affection towards Rousey, and their friendship was built based on their common passion for the sport. The singer, who used to support Rousey in her fights, watched her matches from the first row. Rousey lost her fight to Holly Holm in UFC 193, and Lovato supported her friend during the worst period in her career. The two have been seen in each other’s company many times, and it is not limited to MMA alone. Lovato has also said that Rousey is her inspiration due to her strength and confidence, while Rousey has said that she enjoys Lovato’s support and passion for MMA. It proves that regardless of the nature of the people’s work, MMA can be the unifying subject of their friendship. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Guy Fieri: The Fighter and the Foodie Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, a UFC fighter who takes any fight at any time, and Guy Fieri, the host of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network. When one looks at it, one may not think that Cerrone and Fieri are friends, but these two love life, food, and the rush of adrenalin. Cerrone has a rugged cowboy type of life, and in his spare time, he likes dirt biking and wakeboarding, among other things. Fieri is known as the food lover and the adrenaline junkie, which makes him to support Cerrone’s idea of enjoying life. They first crossed paths at a UFC event, and since then Fieri has been attending many of Cerrone’s fights as a cageside supporter. Moreover, Fieri and Cerrone are interested in similar things, and they have worked on television; Cerrone was the guest of Fieri in the show Guy’s Grocery Games. They have also been captured mingling outside the UFC organization, whether at events or even having meals together. Fieri even attended Cerrone’s fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 246, and was ringside to support his buddy. Jorge Masvidal and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: The Bond of the BMF Jorge Masvidal, known for his street fight experience, was able to take his UFC career to the next level when he clinched the “BMF” (Baddest Motherf*****) at UFC 244 in 2019. This was made even more memorable by the guest appearance of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who handed over the custom-made BMF belt to Masvidal after his fight with Nate Diaz. This fight was a result of friendly relations between the Rock, a former WWE wrestler turned Hollywood actor, and Masvidal, who respect each other as fighters. Johnson has been a supporter of the UFC for a long time, and he came out in support of Masvidal before the fight while commending him for his fighting techniques and perseverance. The friendship between the two became tighter when Johnson handed the belt, saying that it was a dream come true for him. After that fight, both Masvidal and Johnson have remained friends, and The Rock often posts about Masvidal’s fighting ability and hard work. Both have complimented each other in public, and Johnson has even said he would like to collaborate with Masvidal in the future, maybe integrating both the fighting and performance arts. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Cristiano Ronaldo: The Eagle and Soccer Superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion with the record of 28-0, is one of the most respected fighters in the history of the MMA. Some people may be shocked to learn that he is friends with Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the best soccer players in the world, but the two have become good friends. The friendly relations between Khabib and Ronaldo started when the latter started developing an interest in MMA and started posting
UFC Fighters Who Transitioned into Hollywood Stardom
MMA, especially UFC, has seen some of the most ferocious and physically challenging fighters across the globe. Unlike most fighters, some of them have turned their fame earned in combat sports into successful careers in Hollywood. These fighters have shown that they are not only great fighters but are also great personalities and the physical attributes needed in making movies. Here is a glance at the UFC fighters who have entered Hollywood and how they have influenced the film industry. From UFC Champion to a Hollywood Actress: A Journey of Ronda Rousey Ronda Rousey can be considered one of the most successful UFC fighters turned actresses in Hollywood. During her reign, Rousey was the first woman to be signed by the UFC and the first, and only the first at the time of writing this, women’s bantamweight champion. She was a star who took the MMA to the next level, especially for the women’s MMA division. Rousey’s charm and appeal were also felt by Hollywood, and she started acting while still competing. Her big roles include action blockbuster movies like Furious 7 (2015), where she portrayed a strong female bodyguard who had a fight scene with Michelle Rodriguez, and The Expendables 3 (2014), where she was among the cast that included Sylvestor Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jason Statham. After UFC, Rousey’s acting career in Hollywood also progressed, and she acted in movies like Mile 22, released in 2018, in which she was co-starring with Mark Wahlberg, and she also featured in a TV show Entourage. She was undoubtedly a sports lover, and this gave her the overall strength that made her blend well into the action roles. She also ventured into the world of wrestling, where she also transformed into a WWE champion, which made her more of an entertainment personality. Georges St Pierre: The Captain America Villain Georges St-Pierre, commonly referred to as GSP, is among the most decorated UFC fighters of all time; he was the welterweight champion for most of his career. A well-disciplined fighter with a great fight IQ, GSP transcended the cage and even found himself in the MCU. St-Pierre’s breakout Hollywood role came when he portrayed the villainous Georges Batroc, a mercenary and expert martial artist, in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). The role was perfect for GSP, as his real-life combat abilities were very useful in the movie, especially in the fight scenes against Captain America, portrayed by Chris Evans. His work on Batroc was so good that he was again cast for the same character in the Disney+ series, Falcon & Winter Soldier (2021). GSP has not been as active in Hollywood as other fighters have been, but his role in one of the largest movie franchises in history makes him a successful fighter turned actor. He also has the charm and athletic prowess, which is quite beneficial when it comes to action movies. Randy Couture: From UFC Legend to Movie Star: The Expendables Randy Couture, a former two-time UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, is one of the pioneers of the sport. Couture was a wrestler who had a tough fighting style, and thus, he was a fan favorite in the UFC, and he was awarded a place in the UFC Hall of Fame. In fact, Couture’s Hollywood trip started before he was finished with his UFC career. He appeared in his first movie in Cradle 2: The Grave (2003) but rose to fame when he was featured as Toll Road in the Expendables series that began in 2010. In The Expendables, Couture acted along with the action stars like Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Jason Statham, and Dolph Lundgren, and his character was a demolitions expert with quite personality but a fiery spirit inside him. Couture has kept on acting in other action movies such as The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008) and Hijacked (2012). This has been very much attributed to his background as a fighter and his tough exterior that makes him an ideal candidate for macho movies and action films. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson: From Knockouts to the “A-Team” Rampage Jackson is one of the most popular fighters in UFC history, the fighter who has a great number of spectacular knockouts and a unique character. His MMA career involved a period in the UFC as a light heavyweight champion and a bitter feud with Wanderlei Silva. However, it was not only Rampage’s skills on the cage that made him a perfect candidate for the Hollywood movie; his humorous and sometimes childish behavior was perfect for the big screen. Jackson’s Hollywood big break came in the form of a role that made him a star, playing B.A. Baracus in the 2010’s The A-Team. As for taking the role previously performed by Mr. T, Jackson was not so different from the original, yet he added his own flavor to the character while staying true to the concept of Baracus being a tough guy. While the movie received rather polarizing feedback, Jackson’s acting was highly credited, and he was able to stand up to such co-stars as Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper. Following the movie The A-Team, Jackson went on to do more acting, but his primary interest was in MMA and professional wrestling. But he will always be remembered for his part as B.A. Baracus, one of the most colorful fighters in Hollywood stories, proving that he is just as dominant on the silver screen as he was in the Octagon. Gina Carano: An MMA Fighter Turned Actress in ‘The Mandalorian’ Gina Carano was one of the first women to be popular in the MMA arena, fighting in the Strikeforce and EliteXC before the women’s MMA got a slot in the UFC. Carano’s beautiful face, muscles, and talent as a Muay Thai fighter made her one of the most sellable fighters of her time, and soon she was offered a chance to act in Hollywood. Her first major Hollywood film was Haywire (2011), an action-thriller film
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
Strangest Walkout Songs in UFC History: What Were They Thinking?
In combat sports, a fighter’s entrance is one of the most theatrical moments before the actual fight starts. When the lights are off and the audience is chanting, the type of music that a fighter chooses to do his or her entrance can help to determine the mood of the fight, distract the opponent, and spur the fans. Some choose to listen to really heavy tracks that describe the severity of the sport, such as metal, rap, and the like. Others take a different path, selecting songs that leave fans scratching their heads, wondering: Some of the questions that people tend to ask include; Many UFC fighters have had their walkout music as strange as it can get, ranging from pop songs to children’s songs. Check out 5 of the strangest, most unexpected, and flat-out bizarre walkout songs in UFC history. Tom Lawlor, “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men Tom Lawlor, the fighter who is famous for his eccentric behavior and loud mouth, is not new to such walkouts. Perhaps one of his most memorable entrances was selecting the “Who Let the Dogs Out” song, which is an extremely catchy, although somewhat notoriously grating, tune from the year 2000. The song was the hit song by the Baha Men, and it was a very odd choice for the MMA, which was a highly competitive sport. This was amusing, fun music that sounded like it belonged on a beach rather than in a cage where two fighters would go head to head. However, Lawlor, being the showman that he is, decided to use the song as a part of his persona and to bring some humor before his bouts. Although it did not make him scary to his rivals, it made him the favorite of the audience for his readiness to embody the absurdity of life. Cro cop Mirko Filipović, Wild Boys by Duran Duran Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović is probably one of the most popular and dangerous strikers in the history of mixed martial arts. Therefore, when he appeared to the ring with the entrance music of ‘Wild Boys’ by Duran Duran, fans were left wondering what was going on. It was a strange contrast to have the cold-blooded knockout artist in Cro Cop and have a happy-go-lucky synth-pop song playing in the background. “Wild Boys” may have been the song of freedom for post-adolescent delinquents in the 1980s, but it was not a song that was on the mind of a fighter who systematically took his opponents apart. However, the fact that Cro Cop decided to go with the number 9 made it mysterious and somewhat unexpected, which was part of his character. Clay Guida, “Jump Around” by House of Pain Clay Guida, known for his endless cardio, unrelenting pace, and wild hair, perfectly matched his walkout song: One of the best songs that relates to this book is “Jump Around” by House of Pain. However, while the song is upbeat and the song has a party-like feel, which is quite similar to Guida’s fighting style, it is quite unusual for an MMA walkout. “Jump Around” is just an obvious song to play at a house party or even a college football game, not a cage fight. This, with Guida’s infectious energy, made the walk out more of a party than a warm-up to a fight. Still, the odd couple suited Guida, as the latter was unpredictable and fans who saw him fight knew they were in for an entertaining bout. Diego Sanchez, “You’re the Best,” by Joe Esposito in the film The Karate Kid. Diego Sanchez is one of the UFC’s characters, and the choice of his walkout songs has been a testimony to that for some time. This was perhaps one of the strangest yet quite memorable decisions: “You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito, the karate movie anthem from The Karate Kid. The song is a classic and is easily identified with cheesy 1980s training montages rather than today’s cage fighting. Still, Sanchez’s strongest qualities are determination and courage, which is why this song, although quite atypical, was entirely appropriate. Looking at Sanchez entering the Octagon, it was impossible not to cheer for him despite the fact that he uses music from the early 2000s. Ronda Rousey, “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett Joan Jet’s “Bad Reputation” is a classic rock anthem, and Ronda Rousey’s entrance song is quite fitting given the nature of the song’s lyrics but has a bit of an odd vibe to it. The song with its rebellious lyrics and punk rock feel was perfect for Rousey, who was seen as a fighter who was going to change the face of women’s MMA. But the lyrics of “Bad Reputation” also had a rather peculiar undertone for someone like Rousey, who at the time was at the pinnacle of her career and was regarded as a national pride in the sport. Rousey was adored by the fans, sponsors, and media—quite the opposite of having a ‘bad reputation.’ The irony of the song choice only grew as Rousey’s career progressed, but for her, the song represented her rejection of the constraints and repression of women in combat sports. Andrei Arlovski, “Pitbull” by Ne-Yo feat. Nayer and Afrojack The former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, who goes by the nickname “The Pitbull,” took the nickname quite literally in choosing his entrance music. In several of his fights, Arlovski came out to the Octagon to “Pitbull” by Ne-Yo, Nayer & Afrojack, a song more appropriate for a South Beach club than for a heavyweight battle. The song was fast-paced and had Latin influences, which was an odd choice for a fighter who was notorious for his vicious knockouts and pressure fighting style. However, Arlovski, who is always known to be jovial, embraced the pop anthem much to the dismay of people who expected him to be more aggressive or patriotic. Albeit it may not have been an intimidating statement, it generated a lot of discussion
Weirdest UFC Sponsorships: From Monster Energy to Fast Food Chains
The use of sponsorships in sports is a key component of the business strategy because it helps athletes and sporting entities to monetize their sports products while at the same time creating awareness of products among consumers. It is the same with the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the biggest MMA promotion organization in the entire world. In years past, the UFC has secured sponsorship deals with an incredibly diverse group of companies, from traditional blue-chip firms to some very oddball companies. From energy drinks and alcoholic beverages to fast foods and other niche products, UFC sponsorships have been controversial at times. In this article, let’s take a closer look at some of the weirdest, most unexpected, and all around strange sponsorships in UFC history. Condom Depot The most unique and perhaps the most famous sponsorship in the history of UFC was with Condom Depot. Between 2007 and 2011, the online condom retailer sponsored many UFC fighters, such as the legend Jim Miller and Nate Diaz. Boxing athletes wearing trunks with Condom Depot printed on them became a laughing stock to fans and the new slogan’safe fighting’. Though it could appear strange to have sponsorship in a sport that is characterized by blood, sweat, and violence, it was good from the exposure point of view. The shorts are one of the most conspicuous billboards for fighters, and as we saw, the Condom Depot logo was in plain sight during most of the grappling action. However, funny as this was, this was very good for the company and provided the UFC with some of the most memorable branding moments. Dynamic Fastener Another weird but recognizable logo that was painted on the UFC fighters’ shorts for years is Dynamic Fastener. The name might lead one to think they are a swift moving company, but Dynamic Fastener is actually an industrial roofing supply company that is based in Pennsylvania and focuses on roofing fasteners, tools, and other supplies. The sponsorship was not relevant to the interests of the average UFC viewer, which put the partnership on the list of the most puzzling ones in the promotion’s history. The Dynamic Fastener logo was then seen frequently on the fighters’ trunks during the period of 2000s and up to 2010s, including fighters such as Chris Leben and Shane Carwin. However, it was frequently featured in UFC broadcasts, and many people jokingly wondered about the nature of business since it had nothing to do with the brand. Harley-Davidson Despite the fact that Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognizable brands, its connection with the UFC might be considered one of the most surprising sponsorships, first of all, because the two subjects seem to be extremely opposite. Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle company with a heavy, traditional image, and the UFC is a youth-oriented international organization that may not necessarily appeal to Harley’s target market. However, the UFC-Hardy-Davidson relationship was long-lasting for years, and the motorcycle company supported many events and fighters. The Harley-Davidson logo used to be placed in the middle of the Octagon, and the champions of the TUF reality show would occasionally be given a Harley motorcycle as part of their rewards. While this may seem counterintuitive, the association with Harley-Davidson allowed the company to appeal to a new audience and further solidify the brand’s image of toughness and rebellion; however, many UFC fans would not be in a hurry to purchase motorcycles. Corn Nuts: “Corn to the Core” Corn Nuts, a snack that consists of crispy roasted corn kernels, started sponsoring the UFC in 2013. It looked quite strange to see the tagline Corn to the Core while associating it with the hardcore UFC event; however, the brand was advertised during the fight broadcasts in commercials and on social media platforms. The sponsorship was funny and generated many reactions between the UFC fighters and Corn Nuts; some fighters even shot a commercial for the brand. It was an odd pairing to have world-class athletes alongside a crunchy snack food, but it was a surefire way of making people stop and take notice. Viewers continue to recall the Corn Nuts slogan as one of the most strange features of the UFC broadcasts at the time. Burger King Athletes being sponsored by fast food chains has always been a controversy, but perhaps one of the most peculiar sponsorships in the UFC was Burger King supporting former UFC featherweight and lightweight title holder Conor McGregor. McGregor was signed to promote fast foods during his ascendancy, which was during his preparation for a boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Although McGregor with his over-the-top personality and his ‘King’ nickname would have fitted perfectly into Burger King’s image, it was awkward to see a fast food chain sponsoring a fighter who is famous for his regimen and training. In the promotional videos, McGregor was depicted seated on the throne and even feasting on Burger King meals, which made the partnership even more unbelievable. However, the sponsorship was mutually beneficial for the two entities that otherwise are not easily associated with each other. McGregor and Burger King were a good combination, albeit rather unusual; this partnership benefited from both the star power of McGregor and the fast-food chain’s worldwide presence. MetroPCS: “The Wireless Wonder” Another peculiar but effective cooperation was between UFC and MetroPCS, a prepaid wireless telecommunications service. Until recently, MetroPCS was one of the primary sponsors of the UFC, and its logo was printed on the fighter’s gloves and the Octagon. What made the sponsorship peculiar was the fact that MetroPCS was known as a company offering a cheap, even a ‘budget’ service. The UFC, on the other hand, can sometimes promote itself as a paid subscription television sports entertainment brand. This conflict of images created some amusing moments since the sponsor, MetroPCS, is known for its cheap image while the UFC is associated with high-energy, high-priced events. This is because the brand even sponsored fighters such as Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in a series of
The Biggest Pranks Fighters Pulled on Each Other
MMA as well as other combat sports are famous for animosities, competition, and even bone-snapping moments. However, what is not very apparent is the fact that fighters like to joke around and make fun of each other to relieve tension from the rigorous lifestyle they lead. From UFC, mixed martial arts, boxing, and wrestling, there are so many legends that have done outrageous pranks on each other. These pranks are funny and show a side of athletes who dedicate their lives to rigorous training and dangerous sports. Some of the pranks that fighters have played on each other will be discussed in this article, and some of them are very big and funny. Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell: The Broken Toilet Prank For instance, Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell—both of them were former UFC champions—had one of the most memorable feuds in the history of MMA. Both fighters used to be friends, but their rivalry started when they went personal and were always in each other’s business at the end of their careers. However, before the enmity turned to its worst, Ortiz once played a classic April fool on Liddell during a UFC commercial shoot. Ortiz had found his way into Liddell’s hotel room, and he thought of messing up the plumbing. He disconnected the hose that was connected to the toilet, and when Liddell wanted to flush the toilet, water splashed all over the washroom. Liddell went to the bathroom without realizing and rather ended up soaked. Had it been some other person, the prank would have elicited anger from the person, but Liddell was not like that; he laughed it off even though he had been inconvenienced. This prank paved the way for more jokes between the two fighters from this point onwards, although their rivalry intensified afterwards. Ronda Rousey’s Shark Prank on Travis Browne Ronda Rousey, the former UFC bantamweight champion and a trailblazer of women’s MMA, has always been recognized for her fighting spirit. At the same time, she is playful, as fans saw in one of the pranks when her husband, the UFC heavyweight Travis Browne, caught her red-handed. Once, when the two were in Hawaii on holiday, Rousey decided to prank her partner Browne, who was already having a phobia of sharks when they engaged in swimming. Taking into account her athletic background and the love for jokes, Rousey seized the opportunity. She submerged herself in water and suddenly appeared from the water to seize Browne’s leg, and this made him the prey of a momentary scare. After the incident, Browne confessed that he believed he saw a shark, and Rousey could only laugh at his reaction. While it may be friendly, the stunt shows that even the most rugged big fighters can be scared, especially by wild animals. Rampage Jackson’s Wolf Mask Prank of the Ultimate Fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is a former UFC light heavyweight champion who is well known for his stand-up fighting style as well as his personality. As a coach of one of the teams in the reality show The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Rampage pulled a great prank on his counterpart Rashad Evans that was one of the highlights of the show. While taping TUF, Rampage and Evans had a lot of animosity towards each other, but Rampage tried to bring humor to their rivalry. One night, Rampage wore a life-like wolf mask and went into the sleeping area of the house of Evans’ team. One of the fighters was woken up at night by the sight of a ‘wolf’ standing over him; he was quite surprised. The fighter screamed, which woke everyone else on the team and created havoc in the rest of the house. Rampage successfully pulled off the prank, and everyone was on edge while it was the humorous element needed in the middle of the season. Floyd Mayweather’s $15,000 Gift to Adrien Broner Adrien Broner, the former four-division boxing champion, was once touted as the natural successor to Floyd Mayweather Jr., the unbeaten boxing star. The two were close friends, and Mayweather was more of a senior figure while Broner was more of an upcoming fighter, and Mayweather used to shower him with gifts and compliments. But not all of Mayweather’s gifts were what they appeared to be. Broner’s 26th birthday was also the fight night, and Mayweather, who is not shy about flaunting his wealth, showered Broner with what he described as a ‘generous’ birthday present of $15 000 in what seemed to be $100 bills. But when he tried to put his hands on it, Broner saw that while the outer layer of the pile was genuine hundred dollar bills, the rest of the money was one dollar bills. Broner could not believe that he was outsmarted in such a way, and although he tried to joke about the situation, he later said he was offended. Mayweather, who has a great sense of humor, especially of the dry kind, was amused by the joke, as were all the other fighters who may have million-dollar paychecks but are not beyond the prankster’s reach. Urijah Faber to McGregor: “I’m going to kick your ass!” Conor McGregor, the UFC’s Irish fighter, is well known for his verbal assaults and trying to get into his opponent’s head both in and out of the cage. During the time when he was a part of The Ultimate Fighter 22 show, where he was a coach against Urijah Faber, a UFC Hall of Famer. In one of the episodes, McGregor, who is known for his tricks and taunting of the opponent, decided to pull a prank on Faber by calling him on the phone, only to find out that the man was just a few steps away from him. McGregor, using a fake voice and posing as someone else, started to bother Faber with ridiculous questions about their coaching methods, fighters, and the strategies of the team. Faber, you can clearly see, had no idea that McGregor was the