The UFC, which stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship, has always had a reputation as an exciting sport filled with entertainment and hard knocks. Each year, fighters from around the world compete in various bouts that seem to garner as much attention and hype as a new Hollywood blockbuster. Fans have been glued to their screens watching the duels that have been served up over the past few years, and it will be no different this year, with the UFC being something you absolutely must watch in 2023.
The mixed martial arts organization owes a significant portion of its success and reputation not only to the well-known fighters it produces but also to the backstage drama and behind-the-scenes headlines created both inside and outside the octagon.
Conflicts between competitors, disputes regarding matchmaking and rankings, and problems with the management of the company are examples of situations that contribute significantly to the excitement and entertainment value that the UFC offers. As a fan, it’s tough to say no to a compelling dramatic plot, so let’s take a look at some examples of fighters that have had something more to say outside of the cage in their careers.
Photo-1619369232549-2deddaf62454
UFC 279 Press Conference Cancellation
Following a strange series of occurrences backstage, UFC president Dana White canceled the UFC 279 news conference scheduled to take place before the event, a move that piqued the interest of fans and fellow fighters alike. According to MMA Fighting, the news conference was canceled because “chaos ensued” behind the scenes. White claimed that a brawl between competitors Kevin Holland and Khamzat Chimaev was the spark that started the incident.
Ariel Helwani, an MMA writer, stated both Holland and Chimaev’s crews were yelling at one another and that pushing and shoving occurred during the backstage incident. Helwani noted that there were “far too many individuals, much too many team members,” and insufficient protection.
Former mixed martial arts fighter turned manager Tiki Ghosn intervened and attempted to resolve the issue. The crew of Nate Diaz then arrived and noticed Ghosn standing with the team of Chimaev. Helwani noted that Nate and his crew didn’t like Ghosn standing with Chimaev’s team, then added, “comments were exchanged, and then water bottles were suddenly hurled.”
According to him, Ghosn was struck by multiple water bottles, and after everyone was separated, the UFC decided to cancel the press conference. Helwani alluded to the situation possibly getting much worse had things not calmed down when they did, and the report also added that nobody was injured.
Conor McGregor Retires, then Returns; Multiple Times
After exploding onto the scene and causing a massive stir in the mixed martial arts community, controversial figure Conor McGregor announced his retirement, then returned to UFC action over four times in the past five years. This is all after he had already caused a huge stir in the MMA community when he first emerged on the scene. Fans are perplexed due to all of his shenanigans, and some still aren’t sure that he’s finished for the time being.
His head coach John Kavanagh has alluded to the possibility of McGregor getting back in the octagon in 2023, which makes UFC a must-watch this year.
Photo-1606059100071-ecfe808bc8a1
Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington
Another dramatic turn of events outside the UFC octagon involved fighters Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington, who were once best friends and training partners. Following a fight which Masvidal lost to Covington, the Miami-native Masvidal was said to be upset after Covington spoke about his children and family and dubbed himself the “King of Miami” despite not being from there.
Covington was taken aback when Masvidal surprised him by jumping him outside a restaurant in South Beach after deciding to take matters into his own hands. Masvidal was then taken into custody, but the tension between the two fighters did not subside.
Photo-1533560777802-046814bc297c
Conclusion
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s final aim is to provide exciting and competitive bouts for its devoted fans, and any drama that gets in the way of attaining that goal is cleared up as quickly as possible.
