Beyond the Octagon: UFC Fighters Share Their 2025 Aspirations
The ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently took a break from the usual fight talk, asking its athletes about their personal goals for the new year. Steering clear of the predictable “championship aspirations,” the UFC’s Instagram prompt encouraged fighters to reveal their non-combat related desires.
While some fighters remained tight-lipped, others offered intriguing glimpses into their lives outside the cage. Former bantamweight king Sean O’Malley, currently recovering from surgery following his September bout with Merab Dvalishvili, unveiled a rather unique resolution.O’Malley, who is married, declared his intention to abstain from intimacy untill his anticipated return to the Octagon in July. this nine-month celibacy pledge reflects the dedication required for a successful comeback.
Meanwhile, current bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili expressed a desire for a more peaceful world, notably in his homeland of Georgia. He also hopes to dedicate more time to his family in the coming year.
Fan favorite Derrick Lewis, known for his knockout power, revealed entrepreneurial ambitions, aiming to launch two new businesses in 2025. He remained coy about the specifics, leaving fans to speculate about his ventures.
Not everyone embraced the resolution prompt.Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland dismissed the concept altogether, suggesting that only women and children engage in such practices. interim welterweight champion Shavkat Rakhmonov offered a succinct ”No” as his response, highlighting the diverse perspectives within the UFC roster.
Striking a Balance: A Conversation with Former UFC Heavyweight Brendan Schaub
Welcome back, fight fans! Today, we’re joined by former UFC heavyweight contender and current combat sports analyst, Brendan Schaub. Brendan, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today.
Brendan Schaub: Always a pleasure, man. Let’s talk some fighting!
Moderator: Absolutely.We’re diving into this recent UFC social media post, where they asked fighters about their 2025 aspirations, beyond the cage, you know, the non-fighting stuff. Some pretty interesting responses, wouldn’t you say?
Brendan Schaub: Oh, definitely. It’s cool to see these guys showing a different side. Sean O’Malley talking celibacy to fuel his comeback, that’s intense dedication! Reminds me of the old school fighters, like those Spartan warriors preparing for battle.
Moderator: Right? Nine months is a long time. What do you think about his approach?
Brendan Schaub: I respect it, man. It’s all about finding what works for you.
Some guys need that laser focus, and if cutting out distractions is his thing, more power to him. I personally don’t think I could have pulled that off, haha!
Moderator: Now, Dvalishvili talking about peace in Georgia, that was a powerful statement. We often forget the personal struggles these fighters face outside the Octagon.
Brendan Schaub: Absolutely. dvalishvili’s a class act. He’s talked about the conflict in Georgia before. I think it’s admirable that he’s using his platform to advocate for peace. It shows that these fighters are more than just athletes; they’re human beings with hopes and dreams for a better world.
Moderator: Derrick Lewis, the ‘Black Beast,’ with his entrepreneurial spirit, that’s interesting. What kind of businesses do you think he’s cooking up?
Brendan Schaub: Knowing Lewis, it’s gotta be something big, something bold, maybe even something a little crazy.
He’s got that larger-than-life personality, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he ventures into something unique and unexpected.
Moderator: Sean strickland’s ‘no resolutions’ stance, though, that was a bit controversial, wasn’t it?
Brendan Schaub: Look, Strickland’s always been outspoken.
He marches to the beat of his own drum. While I don’t necessarily agree with his take on resolutions, I appreciate his honesty.
Moderator: Now, Shavkat Rakhmonov’s simple ‘no’ was definitely a statement. What do you think was behind his response?
Brendan Schaub: Maybe he’s already achieved everything he wants? Rakhmonov’s on fire right now, climbing the welterweight ranks. Maybe he feels that anything else
is just noise.He lets his actions speak for themselves. you gotta admire that focus.
Moderator: These different reactions are fascinating. It shows just how diverse the UFC roster is, both on the battlefield and in their personal lives. What do you think, folks?
What are your thoughts on these fighters’ aspirations? Do you think Sean O’Malley’s celibacy will help him regain the title? Will Dvalishvili achieve peace in
Georgia? What kind of businesses will Derrick Lewis launch?
Let us know in the comments below – let’s keep the conversation going!