Issue 209
September 2024
Fighters Only’s social media editor, Ryan Burnyeat, picks out his highlights from the past month on MMA social media.
THE SPHERE STEALS THE SHOW
UFC Noche wasn’t just about punches and submissions; it was the Sphere that stole the night. Forget the fighters—the venue was the real knockout. With visuals that looked like a cross between a sci-fi movie and an art installation, the Sphere turned every round into a spectacle. Fighters didn’t just walk out. They descended into an arena where planets crashed, mandalas glowed, and fans ducked, unsure if they were at a UFC event or an intergalactic rave. We got something more than a fight card. It was the future of live sports, where the venue became the true headliner.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_6_zuoxifS
LEGENDARY LINK UPS
While UFC 306 delivered plenty of action, it was Jon Jones and Alex Pereira's connect that created a buzz. With Jones looking fresh for his return against Miocic at UFC 309, fans were stunned to see him face-to-face with Pereira. But instead of talking trash, the two shared laughs, and handshakes and even danced. The two plan to train together after Pereira’s fight at UFC 307. Could this be a preview of a super fight everyone would froth over, or is it just a friendly exchange between two champions? Either way, it’s the crossover fans didn’t know they needed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_7CjJ9Ronq
KHALIL ROUNTREE’S PUSH KICK PERFECTION
Khalil Rountree redefined ‘leaving the cage’ in the funniest way possible. In a sparring session straight out of a Looney Tunes episode, Rountree unleashed a Muay Thai push kick so perfect his training partner flew through the open cage door. Talk about an unplanned exit strategy! With a kick that could send you into next week (or at least out of the gym), Rountree continues to prove he’s not just a dangerous fighter—he’s a human catapult. His striking game? Let’s just say if you’re in his way, you’d better hope the door’s closed next time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAE2EOHx0Go
ROGAN ADDRESSES THE TONGUE TWISTER
Joe Rogan finally cleared the air on his podcast with Belal Muhammad about the time he butchered Umar Nurmagomedov’s name. Let’s be real; we were all wondering what had happened. Rogan laughed it off, admitting that “sometimes my mouth doesn’t work good” and that Umar’s name just wouldn’t come out right. Rogan admitted he loved the fighter, but it’s nice to know that even those who are paid to talk still have an off moment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_vowmlpnZV
THE MAN WITH THE INDESTRUCTIBLE BRAIN
Apparently, Demetrious Johnson isn't just dodging strikes—he’s outsmarting them. After 11 years of brain scans, doctors told DJ that his mind hadn’t deteriorated at all. In fact, his brain’s actually gotten sharper. “You’ve gotten smarter, your speech articulation has improved,” they said. Not even a long career in MMA can slow down Mighty Mouse’s mental game. Talk about a next-level fighter. Who knew getting punched could make you smarter and leave your brain undefeated?
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_tWioGRxNv
