When you think of a UFC fighter, you probably imagine a heterosexual man, uninterested in more intellectual or artistic topics. But two of combat sports’ biggest stars are defying those stereotypes.
Mikey Musumeci and Payton Talbot are recent UFC signings. Mikey arrived at the organization as a star in “grappling” (like wrestling and jiu-jitsu), while Talbot is a rising promise in “striking”, stand-up fighting related to styles like muay thai and boxing.
Despite seeming to be a space averse to homosexuality, the UFC already has cases that challenge this perception. The organization’s biggest female champion, Amanda Nunes from Bahia, celebrates her victories alongside her wife and daughter. But the same openness still doesn’t apply to men: no MMA fighter is openly gay.
Still, the scenario is changing, even in an environment where masculinity — which UFC president Dana White associates with the concept of “savagery” — is so valued. In 2024, Sean O’Malley won the bantamweight title by adopting a less traditionally masculine aesthetic. He dyes his hair in a psychedelic way, with vibrant, overlapping colors, and also paints his nails.
Musumeci and Talbot represent a possible effort by the UFC to reach new audiences, attracting young people with university degrees and a more cosmopolitan taste. One is the typical nerd, while the other resembles a free-spirited artist, à la Jim Morrison, songwriter and lead singer of the legendary band The Doors.
It’s hard not to like Mikey Musumeci —unless you’re one of his opponents. His mother initially resisted the idea of him becoming a professional wrestler, believing it would be a waste since he had the profile and grades to be accepted into medical school.
First of all, Musumeci is a nerd. Apparently fragile, with a manner that is somewhere between sweet and childish, he wears bottle-bottom glasses that accompany his intelligent eyes. He views Brazilian jiu-jitsu, his sport, as a mathematical challenge. And, like a good nerd, he learned to speak Portuguese using Google translator to communicate with Brazilian fans.
Equally intriguing is the image of Payton Talbot. Talbot claims to receive death threats on social media because of his androgynous appearance. He wears a nose ring, likes low-cut shirts, practices pole dancing and prefers trans musicians.
In a recent interview, he initially said that the “haters” are wrong and that he is not gay, but then reconsidered, arguing: “I’m not even going to say whether I am or not. Maybe I am.”
In the short term, UFC fighters will continue to represent ideals of “savage” masculinity. However, it is significant that the organization is not tied to this identity trait when investing in these new athletes.
The UFC’s stance, in this sense, appears to be above all pragmatic. As long as they win spectacularly and attract new viewers, that’s what will matter.
