Even though we know them for their punches and submission techniques, most MMA fighters really don't spend that much time in the cage. Preparing for a fight takes a long time, and fighters have a lot of free time throughout their careers. This free time allows them to get into the most zany hobbies.
It can sometimes trigger a reconversion, like Paul Schommer, who went from wrestling to an outstanding biathlete, and who knows - maybe he’ll become a Biathlon athlete someday. However, most of the time, it's simply harmless fun. Today, we're going to show you what some of them do when they don't have gloves on.
5 Fighters & Their Hobbies Outside the Octagon
Donald Cerrone
Donald Cerrone, nicknamed Cowboy, lives by his nickname and reputation even outside of the cage. Cerrone loves to engage in extreme activities when he isn't submitting his opponents. He downs the hate to enjoy some wake surfing, snowboarding, or even wakeboarding.
It's only natural if you know a bit about Cerrone. The man with the most wins in the history of the UFC has always been a hothead. Before fighting in the octagon, he was a professional bullrider.
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is the fighter who made the UFC so famous. The Irish lightweight is everything you expect: loud and exuberant, he's been known to lash out at the UFC and drink pints. Yet, there's another side to McGregor. Believe it or not, when he's not being in a movie or preparing for his next fight, Conor likes origami.
The folding paper discipline from Japan is known for requiring patience, precision, and basically everything opposite of The Notorious. The fighter even posted some of his origami creations on YouTube.
Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya never hid his passion for anime and Japanese culture. However, few expected The Last Stylebender to be a gamer, even though he will be the face of UFC 5. Fewer expected that in between hours of painful training, Adesanya would be playing one of the most challenging games. Adesanya has publicly stated that he plays a lot of Elden Ring.
If you don't know, Elden Ring was developed by From Software, a studio known for the Dark Souls series. These games require incredible skills to beat, and even the best players will have their moments of rage after grinding for hours and dying at the hands of an overpowered boss.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey had a long and prosperous career in the UFC, but also as a wrestler for the WWE, and a couple of notable apparitions in movies like Expendables 3 or Fast and Furious 7. At 37, Rousey seems to have found her new passion in gaming. Not only does she play video games, but she's also started a YouTube channel and streams on Twitch, then signed an exclusive deal with Facebook to stream over there. Her passion for gaming even led her to star in some, like Mortal Kombat 1, where she was the voice of Sonya Blade.
Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira is one of the most iconic lightweight UFC fighters ever, with 34 victories in the octagon. However, when the spotlights aren't on him, he likes to focus on his other passion: horses.
You've read that right: Oliveira loves horse racing, and there are multiple pictures of him riding. He even won an exhibition in 2021, which shows his level of dedication.
Even Fighters Need Something To Wind Down
These hobbies help remind us that these incredible athletes are also human. They need to have something to relax and occupy their mind and body when there's no training or promotional touring. Each fighter has a thing. Some will keep their adrenaline up like Cerrone; others want to do something completely different, like McGregor or Rousey.
If you enjoy training and fighting too, then it's essential to find a hobby like that to help you clear your mind.
