issue 223

November 2025

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

ALEX PEREIRA RESPONDS TO KHAMZAT CHIMAEV

Alex Pereira flattened Ankalaev at UFC 320, reclaimed his belt, and barely had time to ice his knuckles before Khamzat Chimaev popped up with a “congrats, now fight me” message. Classic Borz energy. Fans braced for chaos… but Poatan basically replied, “Thanks mate, but I’m busy becoming a heavyweight superhero.” Poatan has options, Borz has emojis, and the belt has whiplash from how fast this man changes divisions.

IAN GARRY SENDS M&MS… AND A DRIVE-BY

Ian Machado Garry didn’t wait for the dust to settle on Jack Della Maddalena’s title loss. He hopped straight onto X with the digital a fruit basket from hell: “Sending M&Ms and commiserations” before calling JDM’s performance one of the weakest title defences ever. Subtle? No. Petty? Exquisite. If Garry’s goal was to stir the welterweight pot, consider it boiling over, because nothing hits harder than a fighter who treats social media like a live mic at weigh-ins.

NUNES WANTS ONE MORE FOR THE COLLECTION

Amanda Nunes is retired in the same way your uncle is “done with fishing,” until he sees a bigger boat. This week she popped up and declared that after she deals with Kayla Harrison, she’s dropping to 125 to snatch Valentina Shevchenko’s flyweight belt “for the collection.” Casual. Like she’s completing a Panini sticker book. They’ve fought twice already, and Nunes walked away with both wins, but the way she said it made fans wonder if she even sees divisions anymore. The Lioness is back on the prowl, and Shevchenko just got added to the shopping list.

JON JONES TEASES A CHARITY TRILOGY WITH DC

Jon Jones jumped on X with the kind of casual flex only he can pull off: “I was approached about grappling DC for charity… absolutely. 3–0.” That’s a victory lap disguised as philanthropy. Fans immediately lost it at the idea of the rivalry being resurrected on the mats, with Jones basically treating a potential DC match like a light warm-up between protein shakes. If charity events had belts, Jones just pre-won his. Whether it happens or not, one thing’s clear: even in retirement mode, he knows exactly how to poke the bear. 

CRISTIANO RONALDO JUST SIGNED WITH… MMA?

Cristiano Ronaldo decided football wasn’t enough global domination, so he’s now a shareholder in WOW FC. Yes, CR7 is officially in the fight game. He posted that the promotion shares his core values of discipline, respect, and resilience, so basically everything he shouts at teammates when they misplace a pass. Ronaldo says WOW FC is “building something unique,” and fans instantly pictured him front-row at weigh-ins wearing sunglasses the size of dinner plates. If MMA needed more star power, it just got the most followed human on Earth. The sport isn’t ready, but Ronaldo’s brand definitely is.