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.

1. Nate Diaz: “I’m Not Surprised, Motherf*ers”

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.

2. Conor McGregor: “I’d Like to Apologize to Absolutely Nobody!” (UFC 205)

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.

3. Daniel Cormier UFC 226 post-fight: “We’re double champs

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.

4. Ronda Rousey: “I’m Still the Greatest!” (UFC 184)

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.

5. Brock Lesnar: “I’m Gonna Go Home and Drink a Coors Light” (UFC 100)

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.

6. Joanna Jędrzejczyk: “Boogeywoman Is Coming!” (UFC 217)

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. Even in defeat, Jędrzejczyk still stood defiantly with her claims of being the best in the world and promising to get back on top. This latched on strongly and resonated with the willful hearts of fans.

The post-fight interview of Jędrzejczyk proved two things: the chaos of MMA and how confidence can quickly tip over. Showed she could be resilient, that she was able to handle victory or defeat with the same unwavering belief in herself.

7. Forrest Griffin: “I Was Trying to Get Knocked Out!” at The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale

One of the greatest moments to ever transpire in UFC history was Forrest Griffin’s post-fight interview after his epic fight against Stephan Bonnar in The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale. Dubbed the fight that saved the UFC, the two warriors entertained millions on the home screens engaged in the back-and-forth brawl.

Following his unanimous victory, the bloody, tired Griffin was quizzed by Joe Rogan about what his tactics were while in the fight. A typical Griffin reply: ‘I was trying to get knocked out! ” and he grinned. It was a typical response, perfectly fitting of the intensity and bedlam that the fight endured.

Griffin’s post-fight interview was the perfect ending to one of the most significant fights in UFC history, and it really showed his humility and a sense of humor that made him so likable to so many fans, thus becoming one of the sport’s most beloved figures.

8. Derrick Lewis: “My Balls Was Hot” (UFC 229)

Derrick Lewis is known for his one-punch knockout power and, most importantly, his hilarious post-fight interviews. None, though, are quite the spectacle that bestowed us following his last-second knockout win over Alexander Volkov at UFC 229. Lewis appeared to be controlling the fight until he landed the suddenly famous knockout punch in the final strides.

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Lewis famously said, “My balls were hot,” when asked why he tore his shorts off immediately after the fight. The off-the-cuff response—that, and the wit behind the statement—sent Rogan into an uncontrollable fit of laughter over it, the crowd exploded in cheers, and in no time at all, that moment went viral across social media platforms.
Such candid, witty interviews make Lewis a supposedly favorite among the fans, and this moment was perhaps a true example of his personality, which comes to the fore unexpectedly.

9. Anderson Silva – UFC 82 ‘I will fight anyone, even my clone.’

Generally considered among the best to ever fight within the MMA sport, Anderson Silva ruled the middleweight class. Following his title defense against Dan Henderson at UFC 82, Silva had the now-instantaneous post-fight moment that engrained him as cocky and humorous into the minds of fans.

Asked who he could possibly face further down the line, Silva laughed off the fact and said, “I’ll fight anybody, even my clone.” Those words were said with a smile, relaying equal parts confidence in Silva himself and appreciation for the current stable of challengers he has faced. Very often, the post-fight interviews of Silva are hallmarked by humility and a lot of respect for opponents, but in this case—which came up against the champion—there is another take: playful and full of confidence, which endeared him to the fans even more.

10. Stipe Miocic: “I’m Gonna Get Drunk Tonight”

The post-fight interview with Stipe Miocic upon his capture of the UFC Heavyweight Championship in UFC 198 was quite possibly amongst the most genuine and relatable moments in the history of the sport. Miocic knocked out Fabricio Werdum for the title, and suddenly he realized he had made his dream. When Joe Rogan asked how he was feeling, still out of breath, Miocic said, still with this huge grin, “I’m gonna get drunk tonight.” He came across just so cheerful and relieved—this was everything he’d worked so hard for all these years. Miocic is a fighter who respects hard work and has a humble personality. This is why he is appreciated by so many fans: he is one of the most beloved champions in the history of the UFC. This interview illustrated just how grave those characteristics are.

Conclusion
Quite often, post-fight interviews follow many of the most real and memorable moments in the UFC. Whether talking about a fighter elated at his hard-won victory, disappointed by defeat at the hands of a superior opponent, or perhaps even shocked or amused by some statement, post-fight interviews convey rather raw, unadulterated emotions from athletes who lay it all on the line inside the Octagon. Those interviews, as captured in this article, became moments that defined the UFC—words that not only bring back memories but also personalities. As the UFC continues to slowly consolidate and finalize its union, so are many more unforgettable post-fight interviews that manage to capture what epitomizes the sport better than ever.