Who is the New Face of the UFC?

Photo Source: AP

The UFC, similar to the WWE, was always a sport that heavily relied on fighters’ personality to bring in the large viewership that they have. Without the narratives, without the clashing personas, without the beef, UFC becomes a far less interesting sport. In former years, undoubtedly one could easily say that the face of the UFC was Connor McGregor. Hailing from the streets of Dublin, the Irishman’s charisma and entertainment value was unparalleled. Headlining the 5 highest selling UFC pay-per-view events, consistently raking in millions of views, and collecting a complementary salary, it was clearer than glass that McGregor was the face of the UFC. However ever since his leg injury and subsequent decline, this begs the question, who is the new face of the UFC?

In comes Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya. Adesanya's fighting style is a unique blend of precision striking, incredible athleticism, and a deep understanding of martial arts. His striking prowess and kickboxing background make him one of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the octagon. Adesanya's charisma, confidence, and magnetic personality outside of the cage have also endeared him to fans worldwide. The biggest storyline thus far in the UFC has been the battle between Alex Pereira and Adesanya. In the last battle, Adesanya delivered a powerful finish and perhaps one of the greatest celebratory speeches in UFC history to match. But even that saga has come to a close. At this point, both fighters want to move on, the UFC wants to move on, and most importantly the fans want to move on.

So with Izzy out of the spotlight, it now becomes very muddy on who the new superstar of the sport is. With plenty of rising stars such as “Suga” Sean O'Malley, and old faces like Jon “Bones” Jones coming out of the woodworks, this becomes an increasingly difficult question to answer. In the UFC’s current state there is no shortage of sensational fighters: you have Alexander Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett, Khamzat Chimaev, the list goes on and on. If there is an argument to be made for anyone right now, it is not far-fetched to say the two biggest personalities currently are Sean O’Malley and Jon Jones.

One of the primary reasons for Sean O'Malley's popularity is his electrifying fighting style. O'Malley is known for his unorthodox and creative striking, characterized by his flashy kicks, pinpoint accuracy, and despite his wiry frame, his knockout power. Beyond his fighting abilities, Sean O'Malley's charisma and unique personality set him apart from his peers. He exudes confidence, yet remains approachable and relatable to fans. His colorful hair, distinctive tattoos, and memorable walkouts have become trademarks of the "Suga Show." In the digital age, a fighter's presence on social media is crucial in building a fan base and connecting with followers. Sean O'Malley has mastered the art of engaging with fans through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. He provides behind-the-scenes glimpses of his training, fight preparations, and daily life, allowing fans to feel more connected to him. O'Malley's social media presence has helped him cultivate a dedicated and loyal following.

As for Jon Jones and his in-cage dominance, he might be the greatest fighter in the history of the UFC. His versatile fighting style combines impeccable striking, world-class wrestling, and a relentless ground game. Jones' ability to control fights, exploit opponents' weaknesses, and finish them in spectacular fashion has left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. Not to mention, his list of victims includes some of the greatest fighters in the sport's history. Jones' journey hasn't been without its share of controversy and personal setbacks, but his ability to overcome adversity and continue competing at the highest level has only added to his legend. His resilience in the face of challenges, both inside and outside the octagon, has made him a relatable figure for fans who appreciate his ability to bounce back stronger.

So although there are countless talented fighters, when it comes to personality, nobody today quite matches up to the boisterous and offensive nature of Connor McGregor. The playing field in that regard has certainly been leveled out. So who do you think will claim the throne and crown themselves king of the UFC?

- Pushing P