#2. Snoop Dogg
At one point, the connection between Snoop Dogg, a rapper, and MMA was one of the unlikeliest things one could imagine. But in 2017, that all changed. Due to the coinciding emergence of superstars like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, MMA exploded in popularity.
A new crop of fans flooded to the promotion's events as the entire country of Ireland eagerly followed McGregor's every move, as did any American of Irish descent.
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Meanwhile, Ronda Rousey inspired an entire generation of women to become MMA fans. Celebrities began expressing their interest in MMA, culminating in the UFC signing Snoop Dogg to serve as a commentator on SnoopCast alongside two-time title challenger Urijah Faber.
Snoop Dogg's immense popularity and cultural relevance were things the promotion hoped to harness. His humor alongside Faber's expertise was intended to offer fans an alternative experience.
Unfortunately, Snoop Dogg's humor often came at the expense of the fighters themselves. The poor reception it garnered from fighters led to the cancelation of his time with the promotion in what was one of the most random things Dana White has ever approved.
#1. Hasbulla Magomedov
Hasbulla Magomedov first rose to prominence on TikTok after taking part in faux pre-fight press conferences with the equally diminutive Abdu Rozik. Additionally, Magomedov humorously challenged MMA's most well-known fighters like fellow Dagestani Khabib Nurmagomedov.
His high-pitched laugh and small stature endeared him to the internet, earning him 3.2 million Instagram followers.
Before long, Magomedov appeared cageside at UFC events, often mock-punching well-known fighters on the chin in videos uploaded on Instagram and TikTok. Due to his immense popularity on social media, Magomedov was signed by the UFC.
While he will not be taking part in any fights, the social media star is expected to make appearances at PPVs and media events and continue posting about the promotion and its fighters on his social media accounts.