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The MMA world is still waiting for the first UFC PPV of 2023. The collective shadow of the sport's biggest stars looms large over the entire promotion. With the likes of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones set to return this year, anticipation is as high as it's ever been.
However, MMA isn't the only sport eager to see its stars again. With the FIFA World Cup having ended weeks ago, football fans long to see the tournament's standout performers return to league play.
To the surprise of the mixed martial arts world, there is more that links the two sports together. Several UFC stars have expressed admiration for certain clubs, like Conor McGregor's fanfare for Manchester United. But exactly which club does the Irishman, and four other UFC stars, personify?
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#5. Alexander Volkanovski: FC Bayern Munich
The undisputed kingpin of the UFC featherweight division is none other than Alexander Volkanovski. The Australian 145'er has been a force to be reckoned with and is currently the P4P best fighter in the world. While not initially apparent, the similarities between him and FC Bayern Munich are startling.
Bayern Munich is, like 'The Great' himself, known for operating with cold efficiency. Just as there is a surgical element in how the reigning UFC featherweight champion dominates his foes, there is a similar cold-bloodedness to how 'Die Roten' conquers their foes.
The manner in which Bayern Munich dismantled FC Barcelona with an 8-2 win two years ago in a Champions League quarterfinal match was jaw-dropping. The same can be said about how 'The Great' completely dominated Max Holloway in their trilogy bout.
#4. Tony Ferguson: AC Milan
In the football world, AC Milan has become something of a forgotten child. At one point, the Italian club was a giant in club football. The 90's was a decade of dominance for the Italian side. Thus, it only makes sense that AC Milan conquered the European continent by winning the Champions League in 1994.
Unfortunately, those days are long gone. While 'I Rossoneri' managed to win the tournament twice more in 2003 and 2006, they haven't come close since. They haven't made it to the quarter-finals and even recently spent three seasons in the Europa League.
Tony Ferguson is similar. He was once a dominant force in the UFC but has since experienced a steep decline. 'El Cucuy' is on an unthinkable five-fight losing streak.
Furthermore, like AC Milan's past drop from the Champions League into the Europa League, 'El Cucuy' has fallen out of UFC's lightweight rankings.
#3. Marlon 'Chito' Vera: Atlético Madrid
The word that captures the spirit of Atlético Madrid is 'combative'. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, the Spanish club forged its own identity in a league dominated by FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. To the world at large, Atlético Madrid is known for being tough and rugged.
However, Diego Simeone's team is also known for employing the 'dark arts' and provoking their opposition. Marlon Vera is similar. The Ecuadorian bruiser is a tough-as-nails fighter who resists his opponent's offense like a shield. His own offense, like Atlético Madrid's, is low-volume and prioritizes efficiency.
While his opponents often fail to hurt him, he needs very few opportunities to land a crushing blow. Furthermore, 'Chito' is not above fouling his opponents or taunting them. He elbowed José Aldo after the round ended and up-kicked Frankie Edgar after the bell as well.
He also gave 'The Answer' the middle finger during an in-cage trash talk episode. If there's any fighter who captures the essence of Atlético Madrid, it's Marlon Vera.
#2. Khabib Nurmagomedov: Real Madrid
The word that is synonymous with Real Madrid is dominance. Spain's most famous football club is unlike any other in the sport's history. The Spaniards have conquered Europe more times than any other club, having captured the Champions League a record 14 times.
At times, they seem unstoppable. Footballers signed by Real Madrid are expected to achieve greatness, and only the best are welcomed in the Spanish capital. In the UFC, Khabib Nurmagomedov was cut from a similar cloth. 'The Eagle' is a former UFC lightweight champion.
Much like Real Madrid, who 'The Eagle' supports, the latter has achieved unprecedented things in MMA. He retired from the UFC as an undefeated fighter and holds the longest win streak in UFC lightweight history.
Furthermore, much like Real Madrid's success has led to its future players having the weight of expectation on their shoulders, the same is true for Dagestani fighters. That is all thanks to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
#1. Conor McGregor: Manchester City
Conor McGregor supports Manchester United. However, he is far more similar to another club from Manchester.
In the past, Manchester City was not regarded as rivals by their regional counterparts. The team wasn't even thought of as a genuine candidate to win the Premier League.
Oftentimes, they were dismissed as Manchester United's noisy neighbors. Similarly, before the rise of Conor McGregor, fighters from Ireland were dismissed as being mediocre. The UFC paid them no mind, and few people had any expectations from them.
However, after 'The Notorious' arrived in the UFC, everything changed.
He became the sport's biggest PPV draw and made history by becoming the UFC's first simultaneous two-division champion. Manchester City stunned the world by becoming a dominant force in football and becoming the only team in Premier League history to end the season with 100 points.
Additionally, 'The Cityzens' have also become one of the most financially powerful teams in football, much like Conor McGregor did in MMA.
