Spotted by the Paps: Who Hangs Out with Who Outside the Octagon
From intense rivalries to high-stakes battles, fierce in-Octagon competition defines the world of mixed martial arts. However, it is not just about bloodshed when these hard-hitting athletes step out of their cage; it’s also a window into some great friendships, camaraderie, and alliances that define another side of the fighters. Those are a few of the relationships, mostly forged in training camps and long hours at the gym but often in shared experiences, which prove that even fighters as tough as nails need company and bonds of friendship. This article will detail a life outside of the Octagon for some of the top fighters in the UFC, showing exactly who hangs out with whom and how those relationships affect their personal and professional lives. One of the most popular friendships within the UFC circle is that of Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov. Their friendship has blossomed from training under the same roof at SBG Dublin, Ireland, under the famous coach John Kavanagh. With McGregor being flashy in his ways as a former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champion, with Lobov, a Russian-born fighter, having the reputation of ruggedness and gameness, both fighters clicked at an instant on a very personal level rather than just their business relationship. Lobov, commonly regarded as “The Russian Hammer,” has been a loyal friend and training partner to McGregor for the longest time. He has been a great influence on the rise to fame of McGregor, so they have both been inseparable in everything—from training to out of the gym. Together, they peacefully shared a bond of mutual respect and loyalty as their interaction continued over the years. That loyalty was, perhaps, most typified during the UFC 223 fracas, when McGregor—infamously—threw a dolly at a bus carrying UFC fighters. The incident was reportedly in response to an altercation between Lobov and Khabib Nurmagomedov, showcasing how far the Notorious One is willing to go to defend his friend. Apart from their UFC careers, the duo of McGregor and Lobov can always be spotted together at social functions, no matter if it is parties or any media event. In fact, Lobov was also present during McGregor’s boxing debut against Floyd Mayweather. These two more or less have a professional relationship rather than a personal one. McGregor can often be heard calling Lobov his brother. It has been a mutually blooming relationship wherein McGregor has paved ways for Lobov in the UFC circuit and Lobov repaying his adamant loyalty. Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov were two of the most outstanding fighters in the history of the UFC and shared a bond that crossed a middle-of-the-road training partner squabble. Both of these men have been key fighters for the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California, under the tutelage of coach Javier Mendez. Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, and Nurmagomedov, the undefeated former UFC lightweight champion, are rarely seen apart, whether in the gym or outside. Their friendship is built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep understanding of the sacrifices needed to rise to the top of the sport. Maybe the greatest element of their friendship is their shared cultural values. Cormier and Nurmagomedov come from a wrestling background and regard the discipline that a sport demands, because of the sacrifice it makes. This similarity has seen them get along great in the years passed as previously mentioned. The two are blessed with a culture of humility, industriousness and respect – which has been clear in both their respective careers. The friendship between Cormier and Nurmagomedov was at its peak while the latter was rising as UFC Lightweight Champion. Cormier remained in Nurmagomedov’s corner on many instances, explaining to him how fights work. On several occasions, the latter spoke highly of Cormier and his role as a mentor and big brother. Their friendship took center stage after the emotional after-show of UFC 229, in which Nurmagomedov had just reigned triumphant over already-fallen Conor McGregor in the most anticipated, explosive, and tense fight. Coming as one of the first contenders for that massive post-fight commotion, Cormier made his way to console the just-concluded winner, a show of deep spark that their friendship has developed. This raises, on a higher level, the importance of their friendship in terms of being capable of handling all pressures and challenges faced by being top athletes in the UFC.Outside of the Octagon, one can see Cormier and Nurmagomedov attending sporting events, celebrating their victories, or just messing around. It is testifying strongly to those sorts of connections that can occur in and around the sport of mixed martial arts when there is recognition of power and common experience. The UFC has no dearth of charismatic and explosive fighters such as Jorge Masvidal and Yoel Romero. Their friendship has traversed years of training together. Both fighters share Cuban heritage, which plays a huge role in their close bond. Masvidal, known as “Gamebred,” and Romero, who is often referred to as “The Soldier of God,” were originally together in Miami, where they trained side by side at the American Top Team. The camp environment and bond have clearly fostered a special and unique brotherhood between both fighters, whose similar cultural backgrounds and immigrant experience in America clearly formed the base of a connection that would only blossom further from the seed. Besides becoming close friends in the gym, both seem glued to each other in various places around different social gatherings. Whether it’s an action to attend a post-fight party or to just appreciate a meal at a nearby eatery, Masvidal and Romero have been seen socializing away from the grueling training.Still, especially with his Olympic wrestling pedigree and crazy knockout power in the cage, Romero is more often seen cageside while Masvidal competed, lending words of wisdom and encouragement, as Masvidal has worked his corner, shouting instructions and identifying the number of issues in controversial middleweight title fights. Their friendship only reflects the real characters they
Famous UFC Families: Generations of Fighters in the Octagon
Whereas the sport of MMA usually is taken as a lonely path, where fighters are left to foster their own talent, resolve, and willpower by themselves for success, for some, fighting is in the blood. The UFC, through the ages, has witnessed several such families wherein the fighting spirit was unlike any other, passed down from one generation to the other as a legacy of excellence in combat sports. This paper discusses some of the most famous UFC families and features the fighters who were very proud to carry out their family names with so much success in the Octagon. No family is more synonymous with the origins of mixed martial arts than the Gracies. In the beginning, it is often said that the Gracie family founded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and that the same family was actually instrumental in founding UFC. The Gracie family has a record that stands unparalleled: generations of members who took part in the highest levels of the sport of MMA. Quite possibly the most recognizable family member, Royce Gracie went on to win the first several tournaments of the UFC, competing as a very undersized man in no-holds-barred contests and demonstrating the extreme effectiveness of BJJ against much larger opponents. His success solidified BJJ as a base discipline for MMA and confirmed the place of the Gracie family in combat sports history. Rated among the all-time greats in BJJ masters, Rickson Gracie was Royce’s elder brother. Though he never fought professionally in the UFC, his influence on the sport is huge, and he remains a legendary figure in both BJJ and MMA. Many true second-generation Gracies have truly continued that legacy with fighters who are now in the UFC, PRIDE, and some other fine organizations such as that great Renzo Gracie fighter. And now, even in the UFC, his nephew, the son of Rickson Gracie, Kron Gracie, has come to display his grappling skills, famous within his family. There is no denying the contribution of the Gracie family to MMA; one could only guess what the appearance of the sport might be right now in their absence. The legacy that they are a part of is more than just victories; it is a testament to their changing the landscape of martial arts. Another all-time legendary name is the Shamrock family, with two of the biggest fighter brothers in the world of MMA: Ken Shamrock and Frank Shamrock. Both are considered pioneers of MMA, and their careers literally marked the initial progress steps of the UFC. Ken Shamrock, known as “The World’s Most Dangerous Man,” was one of the original stars in the UFC. He fought in a lot of the company’s early tentpole events and was crowned the first UFC Superfight Champion. Within the history books of MMA, Shamrock’s feud with Royce Gracie was one of the critical rivalries of the sport in the early 1990s. Indeed, his contributions to MMA transcend the Octagon and include popularizing MMA in Japan with his participation in Pancrase. Another legend of sport is the adopted brother of Ken, Frank Shamrock. He became the first UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (then known as the middleweight division), and at one point was deemed one of the pound-for-pound greatests of his era. Frank was quite known for his all-round skills, one of the first fighters to truly blend striking, grappling, and submissions into a complete MMA game. Though both brothers had a somewhat volatile relationship with each other, their contribution to the world of MMA cannot be denied. The Shamrock family left a rich pioneering spirit, along with innovativeness in the sport, and both Ken and Frank assured themselves a place in the history of UFC. The Nogueira brothers, Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira and Rogerio “Minotouro” Nogueira, are considered two of the greatest fighters to ever ply their respective trades in MMA. Originally from Brazil, the two brothers have had very successful runs in both the UFC and also PRIDE, showing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trace boxing talents. Rodrigo Nogueira, also known in the fighting world as “Big Nog”, is the former interim UFC Heavyweight Champion and past PRIDE Heavyweight division Champion. Nicknamed for his tenacity, heart, and submission ability, Big Nog has defeated some of the best fighters in the sport, including the great Mirko Cro Cop, Tim Sylvia, and Randy Couture—all three considered to be good strikers and grapplers. He was the typical fighter who could absorb punishment and still return to win. Indeed, he’s regarded as one of the all-time greats in the heavyweight division of MMA. Rogerio Nogueira, also known as “Lil Nog,” has done well himself, having fought in both light heavyweight and heavyweight weight classes. He wasn’t able to perform at the same level as his brother, securing a slew of titles, but some of the fighters he managed to knock off were proven veterans at the time, like Dan Henderson, Alistair Overeem, and Rashad Evans. What resembles his brother in him is the toughness and technical boxing skills that both possess. The Nogueira brothers have left an indelible mark inside the octagon, not just with their victories but in showing literally what stand-up and taking notice can do. Their effect on Brazilian MMA has explicitly gone on to trickle down to an entire generation of fighters following them. Nick and Nate Diaz are two of the most polarizing and popular figures in MMA. The Diaz Bros made a legacy and cult following through that way of being, big personalities—unforgiving fighting styles, never-back-down attitude. Nick Diaz kicked off his career in the mixed martial arts scene at the very beginning of the noughties, with the inclusion of a serious reputation regarding his lethal cardio, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Competing in the UFC, PRIDE, and Strikeforce, Nick became their Strikeforce Welterweight Champion. Nick is known as the fighter who goes to war with people like Robbie Lawler, Paul Daley, and Georges St-Pierre. He was quick to become a fan favorite due to his propensity to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Top UFC Fights That Ended in Ruined Careers
Mixed martial arts is an unforgiving world. While one victory might suddenly see a fighter catapulted into superstardom, one devastating loss can irreparably derail what may have been a promising career. In the years since its inception, there have been many fighters who entered the Octagon with high hopes, only to exit with their careers irreparably damaged. It discusses some of the biggest UFC fights that not only saw defeat for the fighter but effectively ended their career. Ronda Rousey was the face of women’s MMA and one of the most dominant champions the sport has ever seen. Entering her fight with Holly Holm at UFC 193, Rousey was undefeated, having finished all but one of those opponents in the first round. She had every expectation to steamroll over Holm—a former professional boxer and kickboxer who was relatively new to the UFC—going into their bout at UFC 193. However, Holm stunned the world by outstriking Rousey from the first bell. Holm connected with a beautifully devastating head kick that knocked Rousey out cold in the second round, handing her the first loss of her career. The nature of the defeat was brutal—not just because it ended Rousey’s aura of invincibility but also because it marked the beginning of the end of her MMA career. Rousey tried to come back a year later at UFC 207 against Amanda Nunes, but she was dispatched quickly in just 48 seconds. Following the loss, Rousey chose to retire from active MMA competition and join the professional wrestling organization WWE. That Holm fight was a turning point which did shatter Rousey’s confidence and effectively ended her reign as queen of women’s MMA. Chuck Liddell was one of the most popular and successful fighters in UFC history, known for his knockout power and exciting fighting style. However, when he fought Rashad Evans at UFC 88, Liddell wasn’t really at the level he had been during the height of his success. Indeed, he had suffered some knockout losses. Despite that, many felt Liddell could turn back the clock to his glory days. Evans was an undefeated rising star at the time, and had other ideas. Evans came out in the second round and connected on a perfectly timed overhand right which knocked Liddell out cold. The knockout was so severe that Liddell’s body went limp before he even hit the canvas, creating one of the most memorable knockouts in UFC history. The defeat at the hands of Evans sealed the end of Liddell’s reign as a top contender. He would then lose his next two fights, both by knockout, before retiring in 2010—although Liddell briefly returned for a third fight against Tito Ortiz in 2018. By that stage, though, it had become apparent that the Evans contest had been the start of the end for “The Iceman.” Anderson Silva is often cited by many as the greatest mixed martial arts fighter of all time, but the only titleholder for the most extended reign in UFC history at 2,457 days. His career took a major swing when he fought Chris Weidman at UFC 162 and UFC 168. At UFC 162, Silva was caught in the second round while taunting Weidman. He was stopped by Weidman when he received a left hook to knock him out, making him lose the current reign of the UFC Middleweight Champion. The loss shocked the MMA world and marked Silva’s first defeat in the UFC. He sustained another shattering blow to his career in the 168 rematch. During the second round, a Silva leg kick was checked perfectly by Weidman, and Silva’s leg snapped in a horrific injury. The picture of Silva’s leg snapping is undoubtedly one of the most gruesome moments in UFC history. Although Silva continued fighting despite his injury, he was never the same. He won just one of the next seven fights ahead of him, among a plethora of losses and no-contest bout endings. It also finalized the end of the reign of dominance by Silva in the UFC and marked the start of the senior year for a legends-filled career. B.J. Penn was a stupendously talented and successful UFC fighter, who won titles at lightweight and welterweight. His trilogy with Frankie Edgar marked his nose-dive down the spiral of defeat. First, Penn lost his lightweight title to Edgar at UFC 112. It was only by a very small margin, in a rather competitive decision that either way seemed reasonable to most people’s eyes. The two rematched shortly thereafter at UFC 118, where Edgar defeated a prominent decision, dominating Penn for five rounds and sealing the deal: he was the new lightweight king. After the losses to Edgar, Penn’s career went on free fall. He would move up to Welterweight and remained there for a couple of fights with mixed results before finally meeting Edgar for a third time at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale. In the third fight, Edgar completely dominated Penn, finishing him in the third round with ground and pound confidently. That trilogy with Edgar would mark the end of Penn’s career as a top fighter; he would go on to lose his next five fights, often looking sadly like a shell of himself. Contests against Edgar finished off the reign of BJ Penn as one of the world’s best fighters and left him heading down a mediocre path that, at that point in time, seemed to besmirch his legacy like there was no tomorrow. 5. Melvin Guillard vs. Joe Lauzon at UFC 136 Melvin Guillard was one of the most formidable and explosive fighters in the UFC’s lightweight division. With a powerful knockout ability and athleticism, Guillard got into the bout riding on a five-fight win streak as he faced off against Joe Lauzon at UFC 136. Many believed that another win would really put him well within view of title-starved contendership. But Lauzon had other plans. Just 47 seconds into the first round, Lauzon dropped Guillard with a left hook and quickly locked
UFC’s Most Memorable Post-Fight Interviews: Raw Emotions, Shocking Statements, and Confessions
These are moments in post-fight interviews in the UFC that, at times, can be as memorable as the fights themselves. Millions of fans tune into these live broadcasts to catch some of the rawest emotions fighters are exerting right at those moments; be it a victory or defeat—or possibly being literally robbed in a decision. These interviews provide insight into the minds of athletes in their most vulnerable and unconcealed state. The article focuses on the post-interview of some of the most memorable fights in UFC history, in which a competitor says something truly stunning, a heartfelt confession, or other ways they left their mark on the sport. One of the most iconic post-fight interviews in UFC history is the one by Nate Diaz after his iconic win over Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was Diaz against a streaking Conor McGregor, with high sparks of pre-fight hype and dominance riding waves in the featherweight division. Diaz shocked the world because he was the underdog, but he submitted the Irish superstar in the second round. In the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Diaz said famously, “I’m not surprised, motherf***ers!” The statement epitomized Diaz’s confidence and defiance, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The interview went viral, becoming a sort of rallying cry for Diaz fans and further solidifying his place as one of the most beloved fighters within the UFC. It resonated with Diaz’s words because of that feel to it, capturing this underdog type of spirit which he and his brother, Nick, had been carrying throughout their whole career. Raw, pure, and genuine was the interview, and everything else that fans love about Nate Diaz. Conor McGregor, known for his loudmouthed bragging and silver-tongued wit, pulled off arguably the most memorable post-fight interview in the history of the game, following his win to take the lightweight title at UFC 205. He had cemented his name in history that night, becoming one of the fighters who first held dual belts in UFC—stripping them away from Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight belt, on top of already being the holder of the featherweight title. With a title belt over each shoulder, McGregor said in the post-fight interview, “I’d like to take this chance to apologize… to absolutely nobody! The double champ does what the fuck he wants!” And the place erupted; it was an instant classic. The interview epitomized the character that is McGregor: bold, arrogant, and unapologetic. In so many ways, it characterized his rise to superstardom—how the ability to captivate audiences through his fighting acumen is equated with capturing them through his charisma. The post-fight interview of Daniel Cormier after knocking out Stipe Miocic in UFC 226 is definitely one of the most emotional and triumphant in the history of the organization. Now, Cormier already held the title of light heavyweight champion but moved up to challenge Miocic for the heavyweight title. Cormier’s knockout of Miocic in the first round has made him the second fighter in UFC history to achieve a two-division championship at the same time. In the post-fight interview, an ennobled Cormier shouted, “I’m a double champ!” He really broke down his journey, the things he had to overcome, and what this victory truly meant to him. It was one of those genuine interviews where he could be seen over the moon, proud as ever, for having realized his dream. The moment was immortalized when Cormier called out Brock Lesnar, who was sitting in the audience, from the victorious podium, setting the stage for a potential super fight. Cormier has given one of the great interviews in a long time that essentially extended to the masses what truly drives UFC fighters to greatness: passion and dedication. Ronda Rousey was the face of women’s MMA and quite nearly one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. Defending her bantamweight title at UFC 184 against Cat Zingano in just 14 seconds, perhaps the most memorable post-fight interview is when Rousey yelled out, “I’m still the greatest!” Rousey was very confident and dominant in demeanor when talking about her win and where she stood in the sport. The fact that it was bringing more increased pressure and scrutiny as the biggest draw in that sport proves her unabashed belief in herself and her abilities. Though Rousey’s career would later take a downturn—the losses to Holm and Amanda Nunes—sadly, her post-fight interview at UFC 184 remains the crowning jewel of one of the great runs by any champion in UFC history. The post-fight interview Brock Lesnar had with the media after defeating Frank Mir at UFC 100 is probably one of the most controversial in the history of this sport. Lesnar entered the fight with a chip on his shoulder, having lost to Mir in their first encounter. Lesnar came out and avenged his loss with a TKO victory before turning in a pretty hot, uncensored post-fight speech. At the time of rivalry, Lesnar was sponsored by Bud Light, and in his enraging speech, he surprised all by saying, “I’m gonna go home tonight, I’m gonna drink a Coors Light. That’s right, Coors. Bud Light won’t pay me anything.” He further flamed comments on his opponent, his wife, and also on that crowd which drew boos and backlash. That interview really tightened a lot of jaws and is, therefore, explained by what Lesnar said in his apology letter. Nevertheless, it is one of the most commented post-fight interviews in UFC history, testifying to the intensity of Lesnar and the true feelings that come out soon after years. Joanna Jędrzejczyk was one of the most dominant strawweight champions in UFC history who always stood out for her outstanding striking and psychological warfare. While preparing to defend her title against Rose Namajunas at UFC 217, Jędrzejczyk conducted an especially unforgettable pre-fight interview: “Boogeywoman is coming!” Though somewhat dejected after the loss to Namajunas in the first round, her post-fight interview matches a tone of its own.
UFC Plots: Fighters Who Made a Grand Entrance But A Small Show
In the case of the UFC, the first whistle has to build in terms of hype. Grand entrances, high expectancy, and a wave of anticipation can set the stage for a memorable fight night. But it doesn’t always all go their way; not for everyone. In fact, some grand-entrance fighters end up disappointing fans and analysts time and time again with their underwhelming performances. This text talks about those UFC fighters who introduced themselves to everyone so greatly into the promotion, only to fail in delivery on fight night. The most awaited UFC debut had to be that of CM Punk, a celebrated superstar from the WWE during its heyday, who took a rather unorthodox decision to switch from pro wrestling to mixed martial arts. His real name was Phil Brooks, one of the biggest superstars at the time in professional wrestling with that known charisma, in-ring ability, and skills on the mike. His signing with the UFC, of course, in 2014 sure did raise a couple of eyebrows from the wrestling and MMA harlots alike. So, basically everyone was more hyped at the time for Punk’s UFC debut. Everyone wanted to know how he would perform in his first fight with no competitive fighting experience. He took a serious dedication to training nearly for two years at one of the most famous MMA trainers, Duke Roufus, at Roufusport gym. Finally, in 2016, Punk made his long-awaited UFC debut at UFC 203 against relative newcomer Mickey Gall. After months of buildup and excitement over seeing the professional wrestling legend in an actual fight, he was literally run over by Gall, who took him down, took control, and finished a rear-naked choke submission in the first round. His second fight, against Mike Jackson at UFC 225 in 2018, too ended in a one-sided defeat. Jackson outclassed Punk—also comfortably—for three full rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory. This ended the UFC career of those great exits with a 0-2 record, proving that the way in MMA from professional wrestling really isn’t going to be that easy. James Toney is a legendary boxer, a former world champion in several weight classes, and quite famously known for his defensive slickness and large power in counterpunching. When he officially announced that he would now be trying his skills out in mixed martial arts and fighting in the UFC, many in the combat community considered him controversial. That year, Toney signed with the UFC, with the hopes of showing the world that the sweet science he possessed in boxing had its place in the gritty art of mixed martial arts. The UFC hyped Toney’s debut as a mixed martial artist, putting him in a fight against UFC Hall of Famer and the former two-division champion Randy Couture during UFC 118. The much-expected showdown was hyped as “Boxing vs. Wrestling” since many were keen on it to see how far Toney would run around the ring with the Mixed Martial Arts great. Unfortunately for Toney, the fight was a one-sided affair. After just around 15 seconds, Couture took Toney to the ground and on top, clearly somewhere outside the realm of the boxing champion. Couture dominated Toney on the ground, eventually locking up an arm-triangle choke for the first-round submission. The fight went on for a little over three minutes and clearly showed the differences between boxing and MMA. Despite Toney’s great entrance and all the hype there was around his UFC debut, the latter part of his UFC career lasted as long as one single fight, in which he painfully lost to an MMA legend. The streetfighting phenomenon, Kimbo Slice—aka Kevin Ferguson—found worldwide fame from video footage of his backyard brawls, with his inexorable power and downright sinister presence in each clip turning him into an internet pop star that paved his way to a pro MMA career. Slice’s road to the UFC started with EliteXC, the stage where he surged to become one of the hottest names in that promotion. After this, Slice would go on to take part in a reality show called “The Ultimate Fighter” season 10, in which the winner won a contract to fight in the UFC. Although Slice did not manage to win the show, his popularity and marketing potential eventually helped to earn him a deal with the UFC. Slice officially debuted in the UFC in 2009 at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale against Houston Alexander. However, this debut did not actually amount to much for him. The fight was savagely promoted and built up as a slugfest between heavy hitters, but it actually was more of a snorefest, with two conservative and castigating fatigued fighters. Slice prevailed by unanimous decision, but the fight was far from the explosive debut that fans had hoped for.Slice’s next UFC encounter was against Matt Mitrione in UFC 113, wherein he lost by TKO and, arguably, ended his UFC career. Generalizing or summarizing his case, one can say that boasts and fanfare cannot sustain one’s career with UFC, since despite his large following and a grand entrance that ensured he got noticed by everyone, Slice was able to engage in a grand total of only two fights in the UFC. Hector Lombard was one of the most feared middleweights in the world before signing with the UFC. A former Olympic judoka and the reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion, Lombard brings his 31-2-1 (1 NC) record with him to the UFC. His finishing power, in the form of knockouts, and judo skills certainly made him one of the most highly anticipated signings in UFC history. The first time Lombard stepped into the Octagon was at UFC 149 in 2012 against Tim Boetsch. The fight had a lot of anticipation behind it, but he was just disappointed; Lombard looked hesitant and couldn’t seem to pull the trigger, and he lost this fight by split decision. While in the UFC, Lombard did have somewhat of a successful career, with impressive finishes of men like
Unexpected Relationships: UFC Fighters Who Became Friends to Enemies
Unexpected Relationships: UFC Fighters Who Became Friends to Enemies While the UFC can become a place of fierce rivalries, it can also become an environment in which these fighters, due to similar trials and tribulations, become friends bound together by tight bonds. These friendships can sometimes go sour, creating some of the most personal and heated rivalries in the history of the sport. This article highlights the surprising enmity in the UFC, how those fighters went from friend to foe—their drama, betrayal, and never-to-be-forgotten showdowns. One of the most famous examples of a close friendship that went sour and turned into a bitter rivalry in the UFC is the case of Jon Jones versus Rashad Evans. They used to be friends and even training partners in Greg Jackson’s MMA gym in Albuquerque. Evans was the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and seemed to be a mentor to young up-and-coming sensation Jon Jones. Things took a turn for the worse when Jones was then offered a title fight against then ROC champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in 2011, after Evans had to pull out of the bout due to injury. Jones accepted and won the championship, making him the youngest champion in UFC history. But there were issues as Jones was already prepared to defend his title against Evans—Evans had hoped that they could avoid fighting one another. Things reached a boiling point as both fighters took to engaging in a war of words through the media, with Evans feeling so betrayed by Jones and the gym. It all set up for a massive encounter at UFC 145 in 2012, and it was very personal, with both men fighting to prove who the better man was. Jones, for his part, won overall by way of a unanimous decision and retained his title, further exalting his feats as one of the best to ever do it on the UFC canvas. The rivalry would cost both men dearly in the end; what had once been a close friendship turned into a bitter feud. Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell were, at one time, great friends and training partners during the early days of the UFC. Both fighters just happened to be too big stars within the organization and were on a collision course for a shot at the light heavyweight title. Even friendly, the UFC was looking very hard to book a fight between them, as they knew it would appeal to a large audience. Ortiz, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion at that time, initially refused to fight Liddell because they were friends and had a great deal of respect for each other. However, Liddell wanted it badly and thought Ortiz was dodging him. The tension finally began to brew between them, which the UFC capitalized on by finally setting up the fight at UFC 47 in 2004. promotion for the fight had Ortiz and Liddell exchanging verbal jabs and accusations. When the two finally stepped into the octagon, Liddell knocked out Ortiz in the second round to claim victory and definitively put their friendship in his rearview mirror.The rivalry did not end there. The two world collide once more at UFC 66 in 2006, with Liddell once again knocking out Ortiz. The equally famous rivalry the two had developed was part of a big way UFC history, and in part of the early days of its existence. After their battles within the octagon, their relationship was never the same, even though efforts throughout the years would be made to mend things. One of the more recent examples would have to be the one between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal. The two fighters used to be really good friends and roommates who trained together at ATT in Florida. They both spoke very highly of each other, cornered for each other in many fights, and Masvidal even labeled Covington as a “brother.” Their friendship began to take a hit as Covington transformed himself into a loudmouth, firebrand, trash-talking Covington amidst overly controversial comments that made him appear and upset many of his teammates, including Masvidal. He mentioned that that had been one of the last straws: not paying one of Masvidal’s coaches ‘a few small things here and there’ after potentially securing a championship fight, which finally resulted in the complete breakdown in their relationship. The tension between Covington and Masvidal spilled over into the public, and the two men began to argue back and forth via the media as each accused the other of being unfaithful. The situation between the two fighters was a very anticipated grudge match, culminating in UFC 272 in 2022. Covington took the fight via unanimous decision, but the feeling between the former buddies remained unfinished. In the Covington-Masvidal rivalry, everything is a perfect instance of how personal conflict combined with professional competition made those who might be considered friends—original friends—to be bitter enemies in the UFC. It’s one of the most bitter rivalries in UFC history—a rivalry that began with a close friendship and a shared journey to the top. TJ Dillashaw and the challenger, Cody Garbrandt, were part of the Team Alpha Male, a team that UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber founded. At that time, under the watch of Faber, a very strong bond was developed between TJ Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt, where Dillashaw mentored the young Garbrandt. Although the friends had an excellent relationship, everything started to fall out when Dillashaw left the Team Alpha Male for Colorado to train together with Duane Ludwig. The switch was tantamount to turning his back against Faber and the rest of the team, including Garbrandt. Things got worse when the opponent defeated Renan Barao to hold the belt of the UFC Bantamweight Championship that Faber and his team had desired for long. Garbrandt partially redeemed the team when he was crowned bantamweight champion after defeating Dominick Cruz. This winning feeling was enough to make him feel that he, too, had to defend his team’s reputation, so he would fight
The Most Devastating Leg Kicks in UFC History
Leg kicks are among the most brutal and effective weapons in the vast arsenal of mixed martial arts (MMA). When thrown with precision and power, they can incapacitate an opponent, hinder his mobility, and through that very ability, change the tides of a fight. The UFC has witnessed an array of fighters who mastered the low kick to dismantle their opponents and get victory. In this article, we will focus on some of the most devastating leg kicks that history has in the UFC by some of the fighters who made this their weapon of choice, and the unforgettable moment this blow created inside the Octagon. Although Unanimous Decision went to Aldo, the lasting impression was Faber’s battered leg, which seemed to act as a testament to how effective Aldo’s leg kicks really were. This is considered by many as one of the most dominating performances throughout the entire sport of mixed martial arts in showcasing Aldo’s striking and how leg kicks can be utterly devastating. Edson Barboza is generally regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of the UFC. His leg kicks most definitely factor into his formula for pure success. At UFC 162, Barboza fought Rafaello Oliveira in a lightweight contest, an encounter that would be only remembered for the unbridled savagery of Barboza’s leg kicks. Having launched a devastating attack on Oliveira’s lead leg since the opening bell, Barboza had shocked each time he landed the punishing kicks. Oliveira, doing his best to check and return fire, could offer but bare minimum to the blitzing Barboza in terms of speed and power. His movement was gone. By the middle of the second round, Oliveira was so hobbled he couldn’t stand straight. Par for the course, Barboza wasted no time cornering his foe, and eventually, the ref was obligated to halt the 155-pound rumble with a TKO victory for Barboza courtesy of the kicks. Barboza’s performance at UFC 162 remains one of the most destructive displays of leg kicks, in how they can completely dismantle an opponent. There is no doubt that with the strength behind his barroom punch and engaging in vintage aggression, Thiago Alves in his prime at welterweight was a scarier proposition. One of his best performances was a fight at UFC 90 against Josh Koscheck, which saw Alves display some real hurting leg kicks in that fight. Every deliberate strike from the Brazilian throughout the fight seemed to target the left leg of Koscheck, landing with bone-breaking impact. Koscheck, being a wrestler by trade and unyielded by repeatedly being kicked in the same spot, had difficulty closing the distance to neutralize the power in the kicks and trying his offense in that same respect by Alves, who would not let up on the punishment to his leg. Alves’ leg kicks had had such a large effect that the damage done by them really hurt Koscheck’s movement and added to Alves winning a unanimous decision. By far the best example of how leg kicks can certainly neutralize an opponent and their ability to carry out the game plan is Alves and a win over Koscheck. That solidified Alves as one of the most dangerous welterweight fighters at that time. The fight between Pedro Rizzo and Dan Severn fought during UFC 27 was a classic example of his similarly devastating use of the technique. Rizzo is a Brazilian skilled striker renowned for his powerful kicks, and Severn, of course, legendary, was about to experience this first-hand. Immediately, Rizzo started attacking Severn’s legs with hard kicks, all of them making echoing sounds around the arena. Severn, who is famed for his toughness, worked to push forward, but the damaged Sumo’s leg took its toll. And by the time the fight ended, Severn’s leg was so compromised from the inside that he could hardly stand, and Rizzo got the stoppage win. This fight is typically remembered as one of the first examples of how so much leg-swinging and knee-chopping could tilt an MMA battle and helped solidify Rizzo as a real force in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Justin Gaethje is an aggressive fighter known for his relentless aggression inside the octagon. Arguably, his leg kicks are the ones paying off really great. In his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale against Michael Johnson, Gaethje set out to show his skill of kicking competitors’ legs. Right from the beginning, Gaethje landed his wrecking balls on Johnson’s legs. The shots grew heavier throughout the round, and Johnson gradually had worse mobility. Although he tried to recover, his leg was clearly compromised by the shots from Gaethje. By the second round, he was observed limping, yet Gaethje just continued the pressure, eventually sealing the fight with some strikes on Friday.In the performance against Johnson, Gaethje did remind all onlookers that leg kicks may well indeed be effective—even against high-level competition. Truly worn opponents down by this method is a considerable way that has turned into a true staple of his fighting style. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is among the most productive fighters in the history of Ultimate Fighting Championship, with his diversified striking and love for head kicks. However, in this battle against Jim Miller at UFC Fight Night 45, it was a night to tell the story. He began to work his strikes into a combination, though it was the leg kicks that wore Miller down. Finally, Miller was having to switch a few times as he positioned and eventually crumbled under a head kick from Cerrone. RUN ON In the second of the four-minute round, his leg was tremendously damaged, and Cerrone landed a head kick to end it. Cerrone’s victory over Miller was a classic example of a blueprint for how damaging leg beats can be in breaking down an opponent’s defenses, subsequently creating chances for further offense. It turns out to be one of the better varieties of Cerrone’s performances in the UFC cage. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Lyoto Machida in their
10 Unexpected UFC Fighter Stories to Success
To become successful in mixed martial arts means rarely to follow the straightforward way. Many fighters, getting to the pinnacle of UFC, have their paths paved with twists, turns, and frustrations that test will and determination. Many others take different routes or overcome personal hardships, defying the odds in some ways that make their stories truly remarkable against the odds they are posed against. This article profiles ten UFC fighters whose stories of success are as surprising as inspiring, showing the real resilience and unpredictability that can happen in MMA. Francis Ngannou’s rise to UFC Heavyweight Champion is one of the greatest stories in sports history. Born in Cameroon, Ngannou grew up in extreme poverty and spent his early life working in sand mines to help out the family. On top of the bad living standards, Ngannou still had to make it through a rough childhood with dreams of being a professional boxer. At 26, penniless, and without formal education or training, Ngannou set off on his perilous journey through Europe for a better life. After escaping months of homelessness in Paris, Ngannou came upon a gym to begin his MMA training. Conspicuous for his quick eye for trainers, who found him promising because of his great athleticism and vast work ethic, it was only a few years after that when Ngannou began competing in the UFC. Ngannou’s rise in the UFC was meteoric, and in 2021, he won the UFC Heavyweight Championship by knocking out Stipe Miocic. The Ngannou story is definitely the type that gives a person reason to believe in the power of perseverance and provenly shows that the most unlikely dreams can be achieved under the conditions of hard work and persistence. Matt Serra’s victory at UFC 69 against Georges St-Pierre might be the largest upset in MMA history, but the story leading into it is almost equally remarkable. A veteran of the sport and graduate of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Serra was known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skillset. At the time, though, he just wasn’t able to crack being a top contender. In 2006, Serra won “The Ultimate Fighter: The Comeback,” earning a shot at St-Pierre’s title. St-Pierre was cut out to be one of the very best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and Serra was not expected to stand a chance against him. However, Serra did stun the world by knocking out St-Pierre in the first round and capturing the UFC Welterweight Championship.Serra’s win was the classic underdog tale with a message: in mixed martial arts, anything can happen on any given night. His shocking victory is immortalized as one of the greatest moments in UFC history. There is nothing ordinary about Roxanne Modafferi’s career in mixed martial arts. Nicknamed “The Happy Warrior,” Modafferi is without a doubt one of the most endearing and favorite fighters inside the sport, but getting there wasn’t easy; it has been a long, torturous road of ups and downs. Beginning the practice of martial arts while living in Japan, Modafferi started her professional competition in 2003, still a very primitive period of women’s MMA. Although she was an early starter, Modafferi struggled to really gain much consistency while fighting in smaller promotions with very little fanfare. Nevertheless, the relentless positivity and work ethic of the sport kept her running. In 2013, Modafferi appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter”, through which a new generation of fans came on board because of her upbeat personality and determination. Eventually, Modafferi made it into the UFC, where she turned into a fan favorite and seasoned professional in the sport. She went on to never win a title but rose to greatness in the UFC, which creates an especially strong case for times when all that really matters about this sport is persistence and sticking to oneself. For years, he had ground away at the sport only to be dealt some devastating losses that pushed title aspirations further away than they already were. However, in 2016, at 37 years old, Bisping was presented with a short-notice shot to face Luke Rockhold for the title when Chris Weidman injured his back before UFC 199. Though he was a heavy underdog, having lost to Rockhold in a previous fight, Bisping knocked him out in the opening round en route to collaborating on or claiming the UFC Middleweight Championship. In this way, it would be rightful to say that Bisping’s story is that of overcoming and believing in oneself. As such, it proves that truly, certainly, it is never too late to realize your dream. Mark Hunt’s journey into the UFC is arguably one of the most unconventional in this sport. The former T champion from New Zealand, who had represented the country at K-1 kickboxing, entered mixed martial arts rather circumstantially. Off the back of a highly successful kickboxing career, the Kiwi forerunner signed with PRIDE: Some large MMA organizations at that time.However, when PRIDE was bought out by the UFC, he was absorbed into the promotion as part of his contract with PRIDE. He was then offered a payout to leave, but Hunt chose instead to fight on, going on a losing streak and generally being considered past his prime. Soon after his Ultravictory, Hunt emerged as a KO artist of great caliber and developed the important single-punch knockout game. He also evolved a signature “walk-off” knockout celebration, which is when he walks away after landing a knockout punch, sure that this fight is over. Generally speaking, Hunt’s quest had unexpected success within the UFC—from beating highly ranked heavyweights Frank Mir and Derrick Lewis to sending shockwaves through the mixed martial arts world by simply existing in the search for elusive greatness. It cannot be overstated how much Forrest Griffin impacted the UFC. Griffin’s fight against Stephan Bonnar in the finale of “The Ultimate Fighter” inaugural season single-handedly saved the UFC by implementing theIntroduction of Mixed Martial Arts into the mainstream. The fight was a merciless, violent, and back-and-forth style type war that would transfix
Top UFC Fighters Who Transitioned to Other Professions: Success Beyond the Cage
A lot of physical and mental preparation is needed to develop the recipe for Mixed Martial Arts as a sport. Literally, MMA fighters live to master the various disciplines and upkeep their body in top shape to participate in the crème de la crème of this sport—the UFC. Indeed, with the ultimate toll it brings to one’s body, an MMA career often has a very small window. The real challenge for many fighters is the building of a new career after time in the cage. While some have come up short in this regard, others have been able to use their celebrity status in conjunction with skills and work ethic to transcend into other careers. This article takes a look at some of the top UFC fighters who made successful transitions into other careers and showed that their talents extend far beyond the octagon. However, after losing in consecutive fights to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes respectively, Rousey made the decision to step away from active MMA competition. She improbably, quite successfully made a career transition into professional wrestling, starting with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2018. She quickly turned into a top star with WWE, earning the Raw Women’s Championship and, in the process, history-maker within the main event of WrestleMania 35—the first-ever women’s match to lead off the company’s biggest annual show. Ronda Rousey proved to be an easy go, combining her combat sport skills in the UFC with the WWE’s scant reality by using her athletic acumen, charisma, and star power seamlessly to make the huge leap from the UFC to WWE. Other than wrestling, Rousey has also acted in cinema, having appeared in “The Expendables 3,” “Furious 7,” and “Mile 22.” Her success in WWE and in Hollywood underlines the fact that this woman can succumb to anything. GSP is extremely popular for being considered one of the greatest MMA fighters in history. He was the UFC Welterweight Champion for nearly seven years; he defended his title nine consecutive times before briefly retiring from active competition in 2013. GSP returned to UFC in 2017 and Jerking continues by jerking up the Middleweight Championship, further glamourising his legacy. After finally retiring from active MMA competition in 2019, GSP turned his attention to acting. His powerful physique, accomplished background in the martial arts arena, and well-disciplined nature brought St-Pierre out into the acting world of Hollywood. He lent his skills toward playing the villainous Batroc the Leaper in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” in 2014 and recently reprised the role in Disney +’s “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” RT.His performances were well received, marking his turn from the Octagon to the silver screen. Apart from the acting career, St-Pierre has been involved in business through fitness programs, supplements, and martial arts training. He exemplifies the dedication to excellence in all his fields of endeavor, be it sports, entertainment, or business. Conor McGregor is arguably the most famed UFC competitor in history. Making a lot of noise with his loud mouth and big left hand, he was the first to glory in UFC history—holding two belts at one time, the Featherweight and Lightweight Championships. His meteoric rise to fame made him a global superstar who transcended the sport of MMA. While McGregor remains an active UFC fighter, his business endeavors outside the octagon have made the Dublin-born fighter one of the world’s richest athletes. In 2018, McGregor founded a whiskey brand called Proper No Twelve. The brand took off like a rocket, selling way more than expected and earning tons for McGregor. In 2021, he sold a majority interest to Proper No. Twelve for a staggering $600 million, really sealing the deal on the Irish superstar as a businessman. Other business ventures McGregor has been involved with include a fashion line, “August McGregor,” other sponsorships with various brands, and even boxing—having lost a bout with Floyd Mayweather in one of the highest-earning pay-per-view events ever staged. His ability to leverage celebrity status and business acumen has made him able to create an empire outside of UFC—proof that he is good for so much more than inside an octagon. Bas Rutten, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion and one of the modern-day pioneers of MMA, was diagnosed with striking, submission skills, and charisma. Feeling that he did enough to be remembered by other practitioners for generations to come, Rutten announced his retirement from active MMA in 1999. But as it turns out, his post-fighting career has been as successful as that time he spent inside the cage. He then pursued a career in television and turned out to be an exceptionally famous fight analyst and commentator. Rutten had one of his own shows on AXS TV, “Inside MMA,” where he would go through the sport with excellent analysis and fighter interviews. His extensive knowledge mixed with the bubble of personality made him a fan favorite of MMA. Aside from his work in television, Rutten has also dabbled in film and television acting in projects such as “Here Comes the Boom” in 2012 with Kevin James and “The King of Queens.” Bas Rutten has also had his own fitness program developed called the “Bas Rutten O2 Trainer,” dealing with the invention of better respiratory functions for any kind of athlete. Because of his drive for entrepreneurship and multifaceted nature, Bas Rutten has been secured for a successful life well beyond that of his fighting days. Cung Le is a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion and competitor in the UFC. He quickly became a fan favorite in the years of his MMA career with his flashy striking, notably his spinning kicks. Prior to his first steps into an octagon, though, Le had already made waves in martial arts cinema. With a background in martial arts and his striking ability, Le made a beeline for action movies. He went on to take part in some feature films, including the 2010 “Tekken” as Marshall Law; in 2012, playing the iconic
Underrated Stories: Fighters Who Overcame the Odds to Become UFC Champions
In MMA, becoming a UFC champion is the absolute pinnacle, with nothing above it. Getting to the top usually means navigating challenges, setbacks, and often the kinds of situations that really test the outer limits of a fighter’s spirit and resolve. Out of all the UFC champions, few enjoyed the most illustrious careers, but there were some whose paths were defined by paramount odds. These are those fighters who, contrary to being underrated or completely written off by critics and fans, proved that truly unstoppable forces in this universe do exist. Their stories give meaning to concepts such as perseverance, self-belief, and an indomitable will to succeed. Long before Michael Bisping became a UFC champion, his journey proved to be one of the most inspirational stories in MMA history. For years, Bisping was always a contender, never getting that fight to take him over the hump. All along, Bisping has been an undeniable talent who many counted out of the championship talk due to what appeared to be poor stopping power and struggles against the cream of the crop. Even though Bisping suffered dreadful losses to both Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort, the journey has at times been spine-tingling. He was determined and never allowed the thought of failing to haunt him; because of this, he shared this special moment when he got a short-notice title shot in 2016 against the then-middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 199. Indeed, with that formidable Rockhold going on to finish him convincingly two years earlier, few had given Bisping the chance. It was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when Bisping knockout Rockhold in the first round to capture the UFC Middleweight Championship. Another thing that it cemented was another of his qualities—gritty—with the never-say-die attitude, something that goes a long way to show that with the right mindset, nothing is out of reach. Bisping was also long underrated in some parts of his career, but this performance certainly etched his name among the greats of the sport. Robbie Lawler’s rise to UFC gold is the epitome of coming back from an experience of resurgence and redemption. After first being an MMA prodigy as a teenager with dynamite knockout power and an all-games-on approach to combat, Lawler spent a few up-and-down years in the UFC’s early 2000s before moving out and spending time in several promotions including Strikeforce. During this time, Lawler seemed to be in a lost phase of his career. He had lost several times, and most people had written him off as past his prime days. But in the year 2013, Lawler undoubtedly brought forward a fresh formula by returning to the Octagon. Now fighting at welterweight, Lawler went on a magic tear, smashing the competition underneath him in the form of Rory MacDonald, Jake Ellenberger, and Matt Brown. In 2014, Lawler fought Johny Hendricks for the vacant UFC Welterweight Championship. He may have lost a razor-close decision, but that performance set Lawler up for a rematch with Hendricks in the very same year. The following fight at UFC 181, Lawler seized the UFC Welterweight Championship with a grueling split decision and quite possibly made it one of the most inspiring comebacks in the history of mixed martial arts.Lawler’s story is a powerful reminder of one never being too late to attain greatness. The emergence of Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira to the very pinnacle of the UFC lightweight division has been nothing short of extraordinary. Oliveira had made his UFC debut back in 2010 as one of those highly touted young prospects, though initially showing signs of brilliance. Performances against even slightly elite competition were—in the best scenario—spotty at best, his record showing him consistently losing versus the better fighters like Donald Cerrone, Cub Swanson, and Max Holloway. For years, Oliveira had been portrayed as the talented but flawed fighter who could never realize his potential and break into the top of the sport. Never one to stand still, Oliveira got the past removed when he moved up in weight to lightweight and really began to stack an impressive run of good wins. He finally displayed his ever-improving striking skills combined with suspected world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2021, Oliveira would be offered the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship opportunity against Michael Chandler at UFC 262. Being the underdog, Oliveira did successfully come out in that fight, withstanding the first round storm led by Chandler then going on to take an overwhelming lead in the second reeling Chandler in order to score a dramatic knockout-continuing victory. The personal journey of Charles Oliveira from journeyman fighter to now reigning, undisputed lightweight champion speaks volumes to his tenacity, skill, and self-faith. The path of a gladiator waiting for Glover Teixeira on the way to capturing the title of UFC champion patent of resilience, patience, and determination. Teixeira turned professional in MMA in 2002 and was already appearing to be a top force in the light heavyweight division. But again, he got delayed from performing inside the UFC for a short number of several years mainly because of visa problems, which his first visit to surely got him exempted from fighting on the truly big stage in the first place. When Teixeira finally made his UFC debut in 2012, he quickly made up for lost time by winning five straight fights and earned himself a 2014 title shot against Jon Jones. Even in defeat to Jones, Teixeira remained a top contender in the division and has continued to compete against the best fighters in the world for the past several years. By the time Teixeira reached his late 30s, many felt that his best days were behind him. Teixeira would continue to prove naysayers wrong by scoring a series of outstanding victories over top contenders like Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos. In the year 2021, aged 42, Teixeira was given another shot at being the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion when he fought Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267. Teixeira took what would likely