Issue 215

March 2025

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

MERAB DANCES HIS WAY INTO A NEW GIG

Merab Dvalishvili’s cardio knows no bounds. Apparently, neither does his career potential. In a video that looks like it was pulled straight from Eurovision tryouts, Merab breaks out a dance routine that might just land him a role in a music video. With inhibitions off, energy on, and hips moving like he’s trying to shake off a takedown attempt, Merab proves once again that he’s the internet’s favorite chaos merchant. Expect a Grammy before a title shot at this rate.

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

UFC HONORS GEORGE FOREMAN WITH A GOAT-SIZED SALUTE

Most tributes get a polite nod. This one got an Octagon-sized standing ovation. The UFC paid its respects to boxing icon George Foreman, whose influence looms over every heavy hitter in combat sports. From grill jokes to GOAT status, this post reminded fans that before there was MMA, there was Foreman in equal parts as a thunderfist and trailblazer. A timeless legend who will never be forgotten

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHg8pYPMX4N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

RUFFY’S SPINNING KICK MAKES THE WORLD DIZZY

Mauricio Ruffy pulled off a spinning heel kick that stands out as a contender for KO of the year. The clip of his walk-off KO sent MMA socials into a meltdown, with analysts breaking it down frame-by-frame. It’s the kind of finish that gets rewatched, remixed and recreated badly at every gym on Monday. Ruffy’s arrival? Loud, lethal, and very, very viral.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHCSyzrAoZ9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

SEAN BRADY’S GRAPPLING MASTERCLASS REWRITES HISTORY

Sean Brady did more than beat Leon Edwards, he rewrote the stats. The Philly powerhouse set a new UFC record for the most control time in a single welterweight bout, clamping onto Edwards like a human backpack with no return policy. The clip shows the domination in real-time, and the comment section became a playground for BJJ purists. If grappling was jazz, Brady just played a flawless solo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHjPySAN65D/

ROBBIE’S HALL OF FAME REACTION HITS RIGHT IN THE FEELS

Robbie Lawler isn’t usually one for words. But his smile said it all when the UFC surprised him with his Hall of Fame induction. The reel captures Lawler’s stunned silence, chest-tap gratitude, and that familiar flash of fire in his eyes. One of the sport’s most beloved brawlers is getting his moment -and trying not to punch feelings in the face. It’s the kind of clip that really hooks the heart.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG9tY5hRwea/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link