🔥 Why the UFC Became a Right-Wing Arena

Fighting Matters

🎙️ The UFC has become more than a fight promotion—it’s a political statement.
In this episode of Fighting Matters, Jeff Shaw, Stephan Kesting, and Steve Kwan sit down with journalist Albert Samaha to unpack his explosive Washington Post article, “Two Nights in Vegas with the Fan-Bros of the UFC.” What begins as a story about fandom becomes a deep dive into the cultural and political forces shaping fight sports today.
From MAGA hat sightings to Dana White’s unwavering support for Trump, the crew explores how the UFC became a haven for right-wing ideology—and what that means for the young men growing up in its orbit.
This conversation isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about understanding how power, masculinity, and media converge in the cage—and what kind of future we’re fighting for.
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👥 Featuring:
Albert Samaha – Journalist & Author
Jeff Shaw @BellinghamBJJ
Stephan Kesting @StephanKesting
Steve Kwan @bjjmentalmodels
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🧠 Topics We Cover:
• Why the UFC embraced Trumpism
• The blurred lines between sport, spectacle, and propaganda
• How fight sports influence young men’s identities
• The grifter economy and “hustle culture” in MMA
• What responsibility promoters have in shaping culture
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📖 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
02:55 The Intersection of Sports and Politics
06:17 Understanding the UFC Fanbase
09:14 The Role of Authenticity in Politics
12:04 Masculinity and the Appeal of Simplicity
14:56 The Complexity of Political Messaging
17:54 The Andrew Tate Phenomenon
21:07 Human Stories in Fight Sports
24:12 The UFC's Political Landscape
27:13 Conclusion and Reflections on the Future
33:25 UFC's Controversial Support for Problematic Figures
36:08 The Shift in UFC's Image and Strategy
40:21 The Wrestling Influence on UFC's Marketing
44:36 Free Speech and the UFC's Ethical Dilemmas
47:13 Economic Class and Masculinity in the UFC
01:01:47 Navigating Modern Masculinity and Influencer Culture