Mixed martial arts fighters are amongst the premier athletes in today’s world. They are able to perform feats of supernatural strength, athleticism, and endurance when they fight each other inside the Octagon.
But, what about outside their chosen arena of combat?
Well, there have been MMA fighters who have done things which are just as, if not more, impressive than what they’ve been able to pull off in a promotion like the UFC. Going beyond the realms of winning World Titles and setting records, these men and women have been able to do things just as impressive in the real world.
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So, without further ado, here are 5 epic things MMA fighters have done outside the Octagon:
#5 Jon Jones becomes a cop
Jon Jones has made a name for himself as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC today but back when he was establishing himself as a top star, he made quite a name for himself outside the Octagon as well.
Bones was preparing for his UFC 128 title fight against Shogun Rua when he saw a theft in progress. Bear in mind, this was just a few hours before the biggest fight in the young man’s career. He threw all caution to the wind, chasing down the thief and beating him down with the help of his coach.
For a young fighter like Jones to take such a huge risk just hours before a massive fight to help someone in need is an admirable thing indeed. What’s more? He proceeded to dominate Shogun in his fight a few hours later to pick up a strong win against the legend.
Talk about making a statement. You can see a video of Jones talking about the incident above. Not a bad day’s work for Jon Bones Jones. Well done, sir.
#4 Chris Weidman teaches some wannabe gangsters a lesson
Chris Weidman is one tough guy who hails from the streets of New York. If you know the All-American, you know that he doesn’t stand for any nonsense. That’s why there was little surprise when Weidman told the story of how he took out some wannabe gangsters in New York, back when he was starting out as a pro.
When these morons decided to take a swing at Weidman at a club back when he was just 2-0 as a pro, he taught them a right lesson. Weidman embarrassed them by taking down one of the "big juiceheads" as he called them and giving him a noogie. Naturally mortified by this, the juicehead went after Weidman yet again.
This was met with the exact same result, plus an extra dose of embarrassment as Weidman even honked his nose before the gangsters were thrown out of the club by bouncers. Let this be a lesson to everyone. Do not mess with MMA fighters – be it inside the Octagon or outside.
#3 Bas Rutten almost destroys an American football player
Bas Rutten is one of the true greats of MMA who is a no-nonsense kind of guy. If you’ve ever heard him speak, you know that he has very little patience for stupidity and showboating. This is why Brian Urlacher should consider himself a lucky man.
During a charity event, the story goes that Rutten stepped on Urlacher’s foot causing the latter to spill his drink during a charity event. Rutten apologised and offered to buy him a replacement drink but Urlacher was having none of it, as he asked Rutten to step outside for a fight.
The former UFC star – who is a black belt in four different disciplines – gladly obliged and was about knock Urlacher’s teeth out when they were stopped by bouncers. You are a very lucky man, Mr Urlacher.
#2 Bas Rutten knocks out multiple bouncers
Remember what I just said about not aggravating Bas Rutten? Well, apparently some bouncers at a Swedish bar never got the memo. When Rutten entered said bar, he was warned to stay out of trouble as MMA fighters had a reputation for getting drunk and causing trouble.
After a few drinks, an altercation led to Rutten being thrown out but that wasn't the end of it, as the bouncers apparently got a little too physical for the former MMA star's taste. He proceeded to lay all of them out as retribution for their actions.
This would lead to Rutten being tossed into prison, though, as one of the bouncers was actually a cop. You can hear about this story here:
#1 Miesha Tate saves a life
Miesha Tate and Bryan Caraway are one of the most well-loved couples in the MMA world. Before her days as the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, though, Tate did something way more important: She saved Caraway’s mother’s life.
During a scuba diving trip, the story goes that on a family vacation to Mexico, Carraway’s mother – an asthma patient – lost her inhaler, which led to Tate becoming an instant hero as she recovered a replacement inhaler from the boat they were diving from. She was able to get it to Carraway’s mother in time and saved the woman’s life.
There is little doubt as to why Bryan Carraway loves the now-retired former UFC World Champion so much and why they have such a strong bond as a couple.
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