5 universally loved fighters in the UFC today you just can't root against

UFC fighters tend to be polarizing at the best of times. Some athletes, such as Colby Covington, embrace the role of a 'heel' to draw in fans who want to see them lose. Alternatively, other fighters, such as Israel Adesanya, appear to split the general public down the middle, with fans appearing to only either love or hate them.

However, there are a select few fighters who are universally loved by all fans of MMA. In the following list we break down five such UFC fighters who fans can't help but support. Honorable mentions go to Francis Ngannou, Charles Oliveira, Jose Aldo and Chan Sung Jung (a.k.a The Korean Zombie).

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#5. Ciryl 'Bon Gamin' Gane - UFC heavyweight

The UFC's new interim heavyweight champion, Ciryl Gane, has one of the most affable personalities in the entire sport. He has immense respect for every opponent he faces and is never riled by trash talk.

Even on the night of his biggest achievement in MMA to date, winning the UFC's interim heavyweight title, Gane ensured that he immediately approached his defeated opponent to show his respects.

Respect through it all 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/6Qi2Q9psnI

— Ciryl Gane (@ciryl_gane) August 21, 2021

This was despite his opponent Derrick Lewis having repeatedly claimed he was going to knock Gane unconscious in the buildup to the fight. Even as Lewis attempted to get in Gane's face during the ceremonial weigh-ins, the Frenchman's only reaction was to have a wry smile play across his face.

Derrick Lewis got in Ciryl Gane’s face and then raised the interim heavyweight title ahead of #UFC265 🏆 pic.twitter.com/F0syjDMBpz

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 5, 2021

Gane has also refused to buy into the narrative that there is a rivalry between him and Francis Ngannou. The narrative is due to the Cameroonian heavyweight champion leaving the gym Gane trains at to go to America.

#4. Robert 'The Reaper' Whittaker - UFC middleweight

Robert Whittaker has become one of the most universally loved fighters in the entire UFC on account of his infectious personality. His blatantly honest interview answers have created some incredible moments, often going viral on social media.

One such example was his response to being asked if a rematch with Israel Adesanya was what he wanted next, following his impressive win over Jared Cannonier.

“He’s a tough fight, man. I’m not stoked to fight him. He’s a hard fight and he’s so good and he only looked better in his last fight.”@robwhittakermma says he’s interested in a rematch with Israel Adesanya in the most Robert Whittaker way possible 😅 pic.twitter.com/kBlXMG2J10

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 25, 2020

Add to this the fact that he is clearly a doting father who doesn't let anything, including MMA, come before his family and it is just impossible not to root for the man.

Best Father’s Day yet, hope you had a good one 💥 pic.twitter.com/mMtULfXybM

— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) September 6, 2021

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#3. Brandon 'The Assasin Baby' Moreno

When Brandon Moreno won the UFC flyweight title, there was not a single UFC fan whose heart wasn't warmed at least a little bit. Moreno has been through an incredibly tough journey as a martial artist and is still one of the most positive individuals in modern-day sports.

What a moment. Brandon Moreno is the man. #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/bO4wLJGxAx

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 13, 2021

Moreno was actually cut from the UFC in 2018. He then had to fight his way back into the organization, and then went all the way to the top, defeating Deiveson Figueiredo to claim the title at UFC 263.

Along the way, Moreno endeared himself to fans of the sport with a witty sense of humor, never-ending positivity and a love for Lego and Funko Pops figures. He is also the UFC's first Mexican champion and serves as a role model to millions.

Canelo and Brandon Moreno getting body shot work in 🇲🇽(via @JasonKHouse) pic.twitter.com/vt6YqL5pCa

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 22, 2021

#2. Max 'Blessed' Holloway - UFC featherweight

Max Holloway is truly a one-of-a-kind individual in the UFC and the world of MMA. Inside the UFC octagon, Holloway fights with an intensity that is near unmatched, with multiple fight of the year contenders littering his resume.

However, outside the octagon, Holloway is a hilarious and laid-back individual with a great relationship with his son Rush.

One moment that perfectly encapsulates the sort of man Max Holloway is was during a pre-fight Conor McGregor interview. The Irishman was forced to pause halfway through and exclaim in surprise after seeing Holloway riding past on a skateboard.

Max Holloway interrupted Conors interview by riding by on a skateboard😂 pic.twitter.com/sJaEP3wWZL

— Nice Guy Λ𝔫𝔱𝔬🦉🦭 (@ImAntoMMA) January 20, 2021

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#1. Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson - UFC welterweight

Was there ever any doubt? Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson, a man dubbed the NMF (nicest mother f*****) is just impossible not to support. Thompson is an elite fighter with a uniquely adapted karate style that is incredibly fan friendly.

However, it is not his fighting style that garners so much love from fans all across the world. It's his personality. 'Wonderboy' doesn't have a bad word to say about anyone. He will not cuss, name call or trash talk. He simply loves to compete against high level competitors and martial artists.

Fans can regularly see 'Wonderboy' on his YouTube channel, where he takes on martial arts-based challenges alongside other YouTubers, and breaks down upcoming UFC events. Thompson also runs his own karate school where he teaches a host of young martial artists.