Issue 216
April 2025
Fighters Only’s social media editor, Ryan Burnyeat, picks out his highlights from the past month on MMA social media.
JESUS LOVES KNOCKOUTS
Vintage Conor McGregor energy. Prime McGregor and coach John Kavanagh were caught on camera living it up on the couch as they soaked in the UFC action of Mark Hunt versus Roy Nelson in 2014. If you needed a reminder of when McGregor wasn’t just a brand but a pure fight fan, this clip will hit the nostalgia nerves hard. No whiskey ads. No suits. Just good, violent fun.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzJQWFJaoV
MOVIE POSTER MOMENT
Enjoy this slow-mo action as Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes put on a show that belongs in a Hollywood fight flick. Afterward, the Volk’s grin said it all after reclaiming his belt. If anyone was worried about him fading, this was a mic-drop reminder that the king’s crown fits just fine. Fighting? Acting? Dominance? Volk’s got all three covered.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIxsWWFyBHa
SOLDIER OF GOD SAVES THE DAY
Yoel Romero doesn’t just move mountains inside the cage. The ‘Soldier of God’ lived up to his name, rushing to save an elderly lady from a nasty escalator fall. One second, she was stumbling. The next, she was scooped up by a living, breathing superhero. And yes, he looked cooler than most of us tying our shoelaces.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwc5vavt6n
PRATES DELIVERS A DIFFERENT KIND OF WIN
Carlos Prates showed the world there’s more to fighting than fists and finishes. After learning a loyal fan had been diagnosed with cancer, he shaved the young man’s head in a heartfelt show of solidarity. Just one of those beautiful reminders that MMA is built on heart as much as hurt.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DI00WM7I3st
THE PAIN BEHIND THE POST-FIGHT GLOW
Behind every octagon roar is a silent scream, and Diego Lopes gave fans a raw glimpse into it. In the aftermath of his fight, behind closed doors, the agony of the highest level spilled out. It’s a reminder that glory isn't all gold belts and champagne showers—it’s blood, heartbreak, and soul-deep sacrifice.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIhEhDoMe1P
GOGGINS TAKES ADESANYA TO THE EDGE
When David Goggins says, ‘Stay hard,’ he’s not kidding. Israel Adesanya found out the hard way during hell week training—and it ended with him tossing his guts. Proof that even the best can break when Goggins is barking orders. Stay hard? After this clip, most of us are staying horizontal.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIwxMYYtw1q/
...
