Issue 213

January 2025

Fighters Only’s social media editor, Ryan Burnyeat, picks out his highlights from the past month on MMA social media.

MERAB DVALISHVILI IS UNHINGED (AGAIN)

In this viral clip, Merab Dvalishvili unleashed his inner chaos gremlin, reminding everyone why he’s the unofficial king of MMA off-beat shenanigans. From his antics outside the cage to his relentless pace inside it, this guy lives rent-free in every fan’s heart and every opponent’s nightmare. The swan dive into the frozen lake is our favorite part. This video? Peak Merab. Wild. Unpredictable. Unmissable!  

https://x.com/HappyPunch/status/1882159189675610355

TOPURIA’S BOXING SKILLS BELONG IN THE LOUVRE

How do you get a million views? Just film yourself training if you’re Ilia Topuria. It went viral faster than 3-day-old paella in a back ally Barcelona tapas bar. Fortunately, his training footage went viral for all the right reasons, with fans calling his hands a symphony of destruction. Rumour has it that his sparing partners are fast becoming rarer than a sirloin in a vegan café. https://x.com/Home_of_Fight/status/1882080727451521177

CITIZEN MMA: WHEN HEROICS GO VIRAL

Who needs an Octagon when you’ve got this guy? A quick-thinking cop pulled off a takedown so slick it looked choreographed by Michael Bay. The target? A felon of some sort. The result? Instant internet hero. When life imitates fight night, you get moments like these - straight-up MMA set free to allow it's magic to roam in the wild.

https://x.com/HumansNoContext/status/1878444230722408706

MERAB MOCKS A NURMAGOMEDOV?

You read that right! Merab Dvalishvili taunted a Nurmagomedov. Briefly. Takedowns are kind of a Nurmagomedov family heirloom, but Merab added a side of sass mid-fight. The clip of him taunting Umar for a failed takedown attempt is like taunting a Great White shark for not biting hard enough. Add this to Merab’s growing highlight reel of chaotic brilliance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFDaYbFRKFf

CLAY GUIDA: THE END OF AN ERA

After 18 years and a career packed with octagon madness, the UFC has officially released Clay Guida. Fans are saluting ‘The Carpenter’ for his unbreakable cardio, legendary scraps, and the sheer joy he brought to the sport. And the hair. Those legendary locks clocked up more rounds than some fighter’s careers. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DE4k7LHocIW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==