In Photos: How Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Paige VanZant, and other MMA stars are celebrating Fourth of July on social media

Several UFC stars, including former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor and reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones, embraced the festivities of Fourth of July. The spirits of the American Independence Day were running high as several stars posted pictures of their celebrations on social media.

McGregor's post was perhaps the most distinctive as the Irishman posted a mock fighter stat sheet of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt Jr. The proud part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), posted a picture of the American politicians clad in bare-knuckle fighting gear. He captioned the post:

"Heroic Americans shaped in @bareknucklefc combat! What a time to be alive and free! Thank you gentlemen and to all the serving members past and present! Happy 4th of July America! Bare Knuckle marathon over on @fubosports all day! Enjoy."

Check out McGregor's post below:

The Irishman's pub The Black Forge Inn embraced the holiday cheer. He posted a video of the pub with the caption, "Happy 4th July 🇺🇸 from the Black Forge team."

Check out the post below:

Jon Jones posted a picture of his dog with the slang 'Merica, which is often used in a patriotic way. Paige VanZant posted several pictures from a recent photoshoot with a message of independence. UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler hailed the nation as "the greatest country on the planet." Meanwhile, three-time welterweight title challenger Colby Covington posted a tribute message to the troops.

Check out some of the posts below:

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When UFC CEO Dana White advocated for the sanctity of free speech

UFC CEO Dana White has defended the right to free speech whenever a fighter has seemingly crossed the line with their remarks.

In that context, White found himself defending former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland perhaps more than anyone else. The polarizing UFC star has embarked on several viral rants throughout his career, veering towards alleged sexist and homophobic remarks.

At the UFC 297 post-fight press conference, White was asked by a reporter about the homophobic comments that Strickland made ahead of his fight against Dricus du Plessis. The reporter depicted it as the organization giving fighters a "long leash," which did not sit well with the UFC head honcho. He replied:

"First of all, I don’t give anybody a leash. A leash? Free speech. To control what people say and to tell people what to believe. I don’t tell any other f**king human being what to say, what to think and there’s no leashes on any of them. It’s ridiculous to say I give somebody a leash. Free speech, brother. People can say whatever they want and they can believe whatever they want."

Check out White's comments below: