Issue 217
May 2025
Fighters Only’s social media editor, Ryan Burnyeat, picks out his highlights from the past month on MMA social media.
THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE CAGE
In the most Nate Diaz move ever, the Stockton slap specialist posted a pic that was very Fight Club. Yep, that’s right, Nate Diaz called himself out with a picture captioned with Pullup then. No context. No explanation. Just pure, unfiltered Diaz. It’s either high-level trolling, or Nate’s finally transcended MMA and entered a new realm of self-conflict. Either way, we want front-row seats for Diaz vs. Diaz.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKFN5IWxV_f
EMMY-WINNING ELBOWS
The UFC just picked up two Sports Emmys for its production work, proving once again that the world’s toughest sport also knows how to win behind the scenes. The gold went to UFC 287’s walkout visuals and their never-miss Countdown series. So next time someone says MMA isn’t an art form, just remind them it now has Emmys and elbows.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7aPa5SMAd
FROM BUST TO BELT HUNTER
Jack Della Maddalena’s UFC career started with two losses on DWCS. Most people would’ve packed it in or packed their bags. Instead, he reeled off 18 straight wins and is now sitting pretty at 18-2 with the welterweight title around his waist. Proof that records don’t define fighters, resilience does.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJkQgYTxOgV
100% VIOLENCE GUARANTEED
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira have one thing in common: they don’t do decisions. These two are borderline allergic to judges' scorecards, with a combined finish rate hovering near 90%. If this fight makes it past round two, we’ll be shocked. If it doesn’t win Fight of the Year, someone got robbed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ_N2wUx0di
FANS PETITION TO STRIP JONES
Jon Jones may be undefeated in the Octagon, but he’s losing the battle of public patience. A fan petition to strip him of the heavyweight title has surged past 80,000 signatures, with more piling in by the minute. Whether it’s due to inactivity, injury, or just good old-fashioned grumpiness, fans want action. Or at least an explanation.
https://www.instagram.com/combatforever/p/DKJP6fdoEdD/?img_index=1
