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MMA is a sport replete with machismo and a rather endless supply of unbridled, ruthless aggression coupled with rivalries that more often than not get personal, resulting in fiery clashes courtesy the plethora of combustible elements taking centre-stage in the middle of the Mixed Martial Arts cage.
On that note, one ought to remember that no matter how rough and tough our favorite fighters look — weaving their magical stories to etch their names in the history books for the savage science — they are not unbeknownst to the lure of the basic desire to provide the best life possible for themselves but more so for their loved ones.
Today, we take a look at a few rare photographs — some old, others new — that show our MMA idols in a different light, having a good time with those close to their hearts and letting their guards down. Without further ado, here are 10 rare pictures of MMA fighters and their children:
#10 Tito Ortiz
Tito Ortiz was one of the greatest Light-Heavyweights of his era and recently stepped away from the sport after defeating arch rival Chael Sonnen via submission. Ortiz is notorious for his antics in the cage but is a true family man outside of the cage.
The Huntington Beach Bad Boy has talked his endeavours to teach his children the vast intricacies of MMA and holistic fitness in several interviews. He routinely makes his sons go through a rigorous strength and conditioning program that he's made them follow since a very young age.
Ortiz has now separated from his former flame, popular porn star Jenna Jameson, but stays in touch with her to ensure the smooth upbringing of their twins.
#9 Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson is known as much for being a hard-working family man as he is for knocking his opponents into another dimension. 'Hendo' is a scary, scary man!
The former US Olympian got his kids to watch his last couple of fights — something that he hadn't normally done over the course of his lengthy career. Henderson has been routinely pictured with his children since then, with the press hounding them ever since he came within touching distance of dethroning Michael Bisping. Lest we forget, the former Pride Middleweight Champion hung up his gloves after that fight.
Hendo has now bid adieu to MMA, but his journey as a blue-collared American family man continues, as he looks to hand over his treasure of martial arts knowledge to his children.
#8 Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor's is a new father and is raising his son to be — in his words — the king of MMA. Conor and his partner, Dee Devlin, have been in the news a lot, thanks to the Irishman's big fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Well, the 'Notorious' may have come up short in his bid to rule boxing with an iron fist but is certainly a winner at life, with a sizeable fortune and several business ventures in his kitty.
The UFC Lightweight Champion is a hardcore family man and has been praised by Dee for being a pretty hands-on father as well.
#7 Fedor Emelianenko
Fedor Emelianenko is one of the greatest fighters of all time. Apart from being one of the baddest men on the planet, 'The Last Emperor' is widely appreciated for being one of the most decent human beings outside the MMA ring/cage.
The Russian legend has been known to be a savvy businessman and has ensured that his daughters get the best of facilities in Mother Russia; Right from academics to athletics -- Fedor prepares his children to face the world.
On that note, the man is a very private person, so to speak, and rarely gets pictured with his kin outside of your run-of-the-mill social events. What we have here are a couple of forgotten pictures that truly depict the story of 'Family Man' Fedor with his beloved daughters.
#6 Michael Bisping
Michael Bisping and his family were recently on a tropical vacation which almost resulted in the UFC Middleweight Champion drowning, apart from an incident where their car got broken into and their belongings robbed.
Nevertheless, 'The Count' being the survivor that he is made light of the very same incidents on his Believe You Me podcast while reiterating his love for his wife and kids. Bisping has experienced fatherhood since a relatively young age and has done a tremendous job of navigating through life as a young parent.
#5 Michelle Waterson
Michelle Waterson is one of the most tenacious fighters to have ever competed in women's MMA. She's one of the most consistent, elite faces at the top and poster-girl for the lower weight-classes in women's Mixed Martial Arts.
Waterson's fitness and martial arts tradition run in the family, and the karateka is looking to imbibe similar values in her young daughter as well. Although she came up short in her fight against Rose Namajunas, 'The Karate Hottie' is still one of the top fighters in the UFC's 115-pound division.
Waterson is the perfect role model for budding MMA competitors in the sense that she manages to be both a doting parent and a ferocious combatant.
#4 Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva is widely regarded by many as one of the all time greats. 'The Spider' has always been a star attraction in the UFC and his will to fight and provide for his family has been well-documented.
On that note, now that Silva and his family spend their time primarily in the US, the man often trains with his sons, who also train with other top MMA and Muay Thai fighters.
Silva is one of the deadliest finishers inside the Octagon and, in stark contrast, is one of the most kind, soft-spoken and well-mannered individuals outside.
#3 Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua
Shogun is without a doubt one of the most beloved fighters to have ever competed in the sport of MMA. His popularity in the MMA community the world over is seldom matched, and he truly carries himself like an ambassador of the sport.
Shogun is a huge star in his native of Brazil because of the heights he has scaled inside the cage. In the midst of his insane routine, filled with media obligations, Rua still finds time to devote to his family.
#2 Daniel Cormier
DC is one of the most dangerous fighters in the history of MMA. His relentless aggression and legendary cardio breaks down the elite of the elite, but outside the cage, he's an out-and-out gentleman.
Cormier coaches wrestling at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) and often brings his son to train at the facility. He spends a considerable amount of time with his children apart form serving as an analyst and competing as a fighter in the UFC.
Cormier is often referred to by MMA fans as the 'Dad Bod Champion', owing to his stocky build. Well, ironically, he is a great father and has begun teaching the art of combat to his kids. Perhaps we'll get to see another generation of Cormiers compete inside the Octagon.
#1 Cat Zingano
Cat Zingano may very well be one of the greatest female MMA fighters to have never won a UFC Championship. Her prime was riddled with injuries, and there was also the unfortunate incident where her husband — who was also her coach — committed suicide.
She's gone 1-2 in MMA competition since that tragedy, with a TKO win over current UFC Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes and a couple of losses to Ronda Rousey and Julianna Pena. However, the dangerous Muay Thai striker is now prepping for a comeback to the Octagon and is expected to return later this year.
'Alpha' Cat is a doting mother and raises her son Brayden, who often accompanies her to her training sessions. She portrays a great picture of survival and perseverance and is widely regarded as one of the most inspirational personalities in Women's MMA today.
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