Issue 162

Yes, even the world’s premier athletes can’t resist a sneaky trip to the drive through now and then... here's what they go for...

When people see top UFC welterweight contender Johny Hendricks, they see an incredible-looking fighter. Tough, athletic, strong and well-rounded, Hendricks is the definition of a modern mixed martial artist. 

What they don’t realize is he has an insatiable appetite for fast food. You name it, he eats it. Burger King, McDonald’s, Braum’s, Pizza Hut: Hendricks is a fast food addict.

And, he’s not the only fighter who enjoys going to the dark side occasionally. From Dunkin’ Donuts to candy bars, we unearthed some of the more questionable eating habits of MMA’s finest.

1: JOHNY HENDRICKS

Fast Food of Choice: Braum’s, McDonald’s

Hendricks might be one victory away from the most important fight of his life, a shot at the UFC welterweight title, but that isn’t going to stop ‘Bigg Rigg’ from consuming an Angus bacon and cheese burger from McDonald’s. 

If you don’t know, it’s described as “a third-pound 100% Angus beef patty with its own special seasoning.” It’s also got plenty of hickory smoked bacon, red onions, pickles and cheese. Now that’s what you call gut-busting.

2: JOHN MAGUIRE

Fast Food of Choice: Dunkin’ Donuts

Gypsy jiu-jitsu Briton John Maguire is known for his submission prowess, honed due to hours of drilling at the well respected Tsunami Gym in England. But when he’s not learning new set-ups to devastating submissions, Maguire transforms into ‘Fat’ John, the Dunkin’ Donut devourer. 

THFE understands that in between intense post-fight bouts of Call of Duty you’ll find the ‘pink belt’ stuffing his face with piles of doughnuts. Perhaps Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson will have to relinquish his moniker. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Although he’s been highly successful in the UFC as a submission-heavy welterweight, Maguire actually began his career at 185lb, which is largely down to his love for doughnuts.

3: FRANK MIR

Fast Food of Choice: In ‘N’ Out Burger

Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir once stated he thought he could drop down a division to light heavyweight, after noticing he and Forrest Griffin walk around at a similar weight when out of fight camp. 

As interesting as it would be to see Mir tussle with the likes of light heavyweight superstar Jon Jones, it might be impossible for him to get down to 205lb if he continues his regular pilgrimages to In ‘N’ Out Burger. The big man loves little more than chowing down on the custom-ordered patties outside fight camp in Las Vegas.

4: MICHAEL MCDONALD

Fast Food of Choice: Ice cream, candy

After a win, most fighters hit the club to let loose all that fight camp steam. Not UFC bantamweight Michael McDonald, though. 

All he was interested in after knocking out former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres at UFC 145 was eating “ice cream and sweets.” But then maybe a keen Christian isn’t too interested in Jagerbombs.

5: DUSTIN POIRIER

Fast Food of Choice: Candy

If Dustin Poirier was Superman, his kryptonite would be candy bars. In a video released before his UFC main event with Chan Sung Jung, Poirier showed the camera what he eats during his last week of fight camp (i.e. not a lot). Then he displayed what he intends to eat after the fight; opening a drawer that could only be described as candy bar heaven. From Snickers to Hershey bars and Reese’s Pieces, the draw was overloaded with candy. It looked like he’d stuck up Charlie’s Chocolate Factory. Note: Poirier lost to the South Korean so maybe those candy bars sat in that drawer for a while.