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The UFC is the most popular MMA organization in the world. While the likes of Bellator, PFL, and ONE FC have tried their best, no other promotion has come close. Due to this reality, fighters competing under Dana White's banner are also the world's most popular mixed martial artists.
Similarly, no movie franchise is more popular in the world of cinema at the moment than the series of Marvel films that have captured so much attention. While the franchise's most successful characters have their origins in comic books, they're best known for their time on the silver screen.
With the UFC now at the top of the combat sports world, many of its most prominent fighters parallel certain Marvel characters. Thus, this list looks at five UFC stars as Marvel heroes.
#5 Tai Tuivasa - Thor
At first glance, there doesn't seem to be an immediate similarity between Tai Tuivasa and Thor. However, upon closer inspection, the parallels linking the two men become clear. Like Thor, the UFC heavyweight is a beer-drinking, heavy-set man with a boisterous sense of humor.
Furthermore, 'Bam Bam' is one of the most powerful heavyweights on the UFC roster. Similarly, Thor is among the strongest characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Thor: Ragnarok, the Asgardian hero struck up a friendship with Korg, a rocky alien with a New Zealand accent.
While Tuivasa is not from New Zealand, Australia is known for its similarities with its sister country.
#4 Amanda Nunes - Captain Marvel
Amanda Nunes is the reigning UFC champion in the women's bantamweight and featherweight divisions. More often than not, 'The Lioness' is an unstoppable force of nature whose punching power is far too much for even the greatest of foes. MMA legends like Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Cris Cyborg all fell before her.
She is clearly the greatest women's fighter of all time and by a significant margin. Captain Marvel is no different. Carol Danvers is portrayed as the most powerful Avenger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like 'The Lioness', she has rarely struggled in battle and often dominates everyone she faces.
#3 Kamaru Usman - Black Panther
Former UFC titleholder Kamaru Usman is scheduled to rematch Leon Edwards at UFC 286. The bout will be contested for the divisional crown that 'The Nigerian Nightmare' once wore. However, he is not merely a former champion. Kamaru Usman is the first African champion in UFC history.
In a similar vein, Black Panther became the first African superhero in American comic book history. Decades later, he made history again by becoming the first African superhero to debut on the silver screen. The similarities are further magnified by 'The Nigerian Nightmare's' links to the Marvel franchise.
Kamaru Usman had a minor cameo in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, appearing as a naval officer.
#2 Sean O'Malley - Spider-Man
The UFC is always in search of rising stars to lead the promotion's next generation of PPV draws. While Khamzat Chimaev and Paddy Pimblett are candidates, there are other stars who predate their ascension through the UFC. One such star is Sean O'Malley, who recently defeated Petr Yan in his biggest-ever fight.
Spider-Man is often heralded as Marvel's flagship character. Thus, it only stands to reason that there is a parallel between that and the UFC's desire to position 'Sugar' as one of its main stars. Furthermore, the 135er is a wisecracking and smart-mouthed fighter with a creative striking style.
This is, in no small part, similar to Spider-Man's reputation for taunting his foes and having a highly entertaining, creative fighting style. The two men are also colorful. The Spider-Man costume features a red and blue color scheme -- both colors that 'Sugar' has dyed his hair in.
#1 Conor McGregor - Iron Man
The similarities between Conor McGregor and Iron Man are lengthy and significant. Before the dawn of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man was not the main driving force of the company. While he's always been a popular character from his comic book days, his film appearances have heightened his status.
He became the most prominent character in the MCU. 'The Notorious' walked a similar path. He emerged from the regional scene of European MMA and became the biggest star in MMA. Like Tony Stark, Conor McGregor is exceptionally wealthy. The Irishman is the highest-paid fighter in MMA history.
Additionally, the former two-division champion exhibits a similar streak of exceeding confidence that borders on arrogance. He also likens himself to a visionary. There are several Conor McGregor clones in the sport, just as there are Iron Man-like characters in the MCU like War Machine and Ironheart.
