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For years, the world of combat sports has witnessed several marvellous fighters represent their respective cultures and heritages in the realm of fisticuffs. Accordingly, the world of professional boxing has seen several legendary Mexican and Puerto Rican pugilists proudly exemplify their culture, as have other boxers coming from various communities the world over.
Intriguingly, in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, reputable fighters such as Cain Velasquez and Tyron Woodley have strongly asserted that they do indeed aim to act as positive representatives for their respective communities. Velasquez, who is of Mexican descent, has often spoken fondly about the "Brown Pride" tattoo he has etched across his chest.
On the other hand, Woodley is a well-known spokesperson and representative of the African-American community, which was particularly evident during the Ferguson, Missouri riots back in 2014. "The Chosen One" has time and again reiterated that he genuinely intends to serve as a good role model for the African-American community in his hometown, as well as the world over.
Today, we examine a few African American fighters who continue proudly representing their community in the UFC...and have achieved tremendous success in doing so...
#5 Jon Jones
Jon Jones is the former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion of the world, and is widely regarded by the vast majority of fans and experts alike as one of the greatest fighters of all time. "Bones" has extensively spoken about proudly waving the American flag the world over, particularly during the much-hyped America vs. Brazil showdown he had against Brazilian MMA legend Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort.
Furthermore, Jones has always spoken positively about wanting to help troubled youth in his adopted hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico -- Moreover, the legendary fighter is also widely revered for his stance that equality and optimism is the way for society to progress.
Despite having run into his fair share of problems over the years, Jones remains one of the greatest fighters in the UFC today...
#4 Daniel Cormier
It's nearly impossible to not speak about Daniel Cormier, when expounding upon Jon Jones. Although the arch rivals mar have engaged in one of the most vicious rivalries in Mixed Martial Arts history, both fighters have time and again asserted that they wish one another nothing but the best outside the fight game.
Cormier is considered by many to be one of the greatest fighters in combat sports history, however, what truly makes "DC" stand apart from most others, is the fact that the hard-hitting UFC Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion is an absolute gem of a human being!
It's no surprise then that Cormier has slowly but surely ascended to the status of being a notable public figure -- not only in his native of Lafayette, Louisiana, but also in his adopted hometown of San Jose, California. DC is hailed by many as one of the greatest ambassadors the sport of MMA could ever have...
#3 Tyron Woodley
Tyron Woodley may very well be one of the most underrated fighters of all time. Frankly speaking, it's truly baffling as to how underappreciated and less-promoted "The Chosen One" is, especially in today's MMA age, where promotion and hype are highly important in order to succeed.
Additionally, Woodley is one of the most humble and well-spoken UFC champions today. Besides, T-Wood just so happens to be no stranger to the entertainment industry -- having worked in both Hollywood as well as Bollywood, earning considerable recognition for his villainous role in the Indian movie "Sultan".
As we'd discussed earlier, Woodley was one of the most vocal public figures during the Ferguson, Missouri riots back in 2014, and utilized the public platform provided to him courtesy his MMA fame, so as to appeal to the masses to stop destroying public property. Woodley truly is a fighting champion -- both inside and outside the Octagon...
#2 Francis Ngannou
Having returned to the win column with a brutal TKO win over Curtis Blaydes on November 24th, 2018; Francis Ngannou's star-power -- which had taken a huge hit with back-to-back losses to Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis -- now seems to be well on the road to recovery.
Ngannou is presently 32 years of age, and fairly young for the Heavyweight division. "The Predator", beyond the shadow of a doubt, has a bright future ahead of him, and seems to have learnt a lot from his losses. Ngannou hails from Cameroon, and has been the recipient of a considerable amount of praise from fans and critics alike, for his social service work in his native country.
Ever since having achieved financial success in the UFC, Ngannou has contributed a significant amount of his earnings towards the betterment of his fellow Cameroonians. Now, although he is yet to achieve American citizenship, all signs point towards that happening sooner rather than later, especially since Ngannou has strongly indicated that he plans on continuing his MMA training and career in the United States of America...
#1 Yoel Romero
Yet again, we examine a top UFC fighter of African ethnicity, who now resides in the United States of America. Yoel Romero, originally from Cuba, defected to the US a few years ago, and has been living in Miami, Florida -- training at the famed ATT (American Top Team) gym.
Romero is widely regarded as one of the greatest pure athletes to have ever competed in the combat sports realm. "The Soldier of God" isn't merely a nickname to this proud warrior, but a way of life!
In fact on several occasions, Romero has stated that he considers himself to be a "man of God", and his devotion towards Jesus is unquestionable. This, in turn, has led to Romero taking up social objectives such as actively helping his fellow humans, and enriching society as a whole -- often times going out of his way to do so.
Moreover, Romero is known for proudly representing his African and Cuban heritage wherever he goes, and is regarded as one of the most optimistic personalities in the MMA sphere.
Which other UFC fighters of African descent do you feel passionately represent their heritage at the highest levels in MMA? Sound off in the comments!
