Now that school is back in session, UFC stars share memories of summer ending–and class starting
Nate Diaz, Justin Gaethje, Alexa Grasso, and more UFC stars reflect on going back to school
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The tension. The angst. The excitement.
The end of summer marks the start of a new school year. Not everyone, however, is eager to leave the teenage freedoms of August for the rules, homework, and unmistakable sound of a school bell in September.
A lot of people, like Dustin Poirier, had limited interest in going back to class, especially by the time high school arrived.
“Not so much,” said Poirier. “I didn’t want to deal with all that stuff. I wanted to be with my buddies.”
Dustin Poirier/Courtesy UFC
For the stars of MMA, there was a mixed reaction upon reflecting on going back to school each fall. But all can relate to the feeling.
Long before becoming a UFC legend, Nate Diaz was among those who enjoyed stepping back into the hallowed high school halls–though not necessarily for the academics.
“I got to meet new girls,” said Diaz, who attended Tokay High School in Lodi, California. “I got to see my friends. I liked gym class. Going back to school, yeah, I was happy.”
Nate Diaz/Courtesy UFC
Diaz liked going back for the extracurriculars, as did Justin Gaethje. Out in Safford, Arizona, Gaethje proudly made the trek every school day to West Bulldog Boulevard, where he was a Safford High Bulldog.
“Man, I loved being a Bulldog,” said Gaethje. “I loved the start of school. That meant high school football season had started.”
Gaethje starred for the football team, playing quarterback, strong safety, punter, and kicker for the small school.
Justin Gaethje/Courtesy UFC
“I really loved everything about football–that was my favorite,” said Gaethje. “I wanted to be a college athlete, so I made the most of my time in the classroom, too.”
In terms of embracing academics, look no further than Alexa Grasso.
“Honestly, I was an amazing student,” said Grasso. “As far back as I can remember, I was super excited to get my books and pens and pencils. I loved going to school. I love learning.”
Grasso lost the women’s flyweight title last weekend to Valentina Shevchenko, but it wasn’t due to a lack of preparation. Yes, Grasso was that student–the one who relished every part of school, raised her hand when the teacher asked questions, and faithfully submitted her assignments.
“I was always excited to come back to school,” said Grasso. “I even loved getting my school clothes ready the night before. Math was the most difficult, but mostly because I wanted everything to be so perfect.”
Alexa Grasso/Courtesy UFC
After spending a dozen years in a school system, it leaves a lasting impression. Some are more positive than others; sometimes, the experience even inspires students to become teachers.
“I really thought about teaching,” said Aljamain Sterling. “I loved history class. I thought doing that would have been cool.”
Aljamain Sterling/Courtesy UFC
Instead of stepping into the classroom as a teacher, Sterling goes to work in the Octagon. His success in the cage dates back to his time at Uniondale High School, which is when he started wrestling–and that remains the foundation of his success in the UFC.
“Yeah, I wanted summer to last longer like everyone else, and going back to school was never a high priority, but when I was there, I wanted to make the most of it,” said Sterling. “I loved PE class, and that’s when I fell in love with wrestling.”
Sterling showing off his wrestling at UFC 300/Courtesy UFC
Israel Adesanya grew up outside the United States, but that didn’t change his outlook going back to school. Like his peers across the globe, he also didn’t want summer break to end.
“I was never happy going back to school, except that I got to see my friends,” said Adesanya, who was raised in Nigeria before spending his teenage years in New Zealand attending the Rotorua Boys’ High School. “And I loved art class.”
After suffering an injury as a child during his Taekwondo lessons, Adesanya’s parents enforced strict restrictions on contact sports. They would not allow him to engage in any of those types of activities, which is quite ironic considering how Adesanya went on to become one of the most decorated fighters in the history of the sport.
Israel Adesanya/Courtesy UFC
“As badly as I wanted, I wasn’t allowed to do PE,” said Adesanya, who is one of the two greatest middleweights of all-time, trailing only Anderson Silva. “My dad wouldn’t let me. He said it wouldn’t do anything for me in the real world. Isn’t that funny? Look at how it all turned out.”
The school experience was summed up perfectly by Nate Diaz. Even for those who don’t want to be in class, there are ways to make the best of it once the bell rings.
“I didn’t like class, but I liked school,” said Diaz. “That makes sense, right? I had a lot of friends. I was cool with it.”
Next Sphere show should highlight UFC history
Noche UFC on Saturday was a spectacular visual, capitalizing on all the Sphere has to offer. Even if some of the fights were not particularly thrilling, particularly the final two bouts of the night, the show exceeded expectations. Since it was the first live sporting event at the Sphere, it also fit UFC CEO Dana White’s “Be First” mantra.
UFC 306 at the Sphere/Courtesy UFC
Throughout the night, the UFC highlighted the history of Mexico. But if the promotion returns to the Sphere, it should celebrate the history of the UFC. That would also be a chance to honor the fighters who have brought MMA to new levels of popularity. The UFC production is armed with all of its footage, and the night could be a love letter to the sport.
As for the main event, the bout pitting Sean O’Malley against Merab Dvalishvili played out precisely expected. Dvalishvili grinded his way to victory, winning the bantamweight title in a dominant 25-minute performance that was bereft of highlight-reel moments. But that is Dvalishvili’s blueprint for success, and he had every right to follow that plan to victory.
If the UFC returns to the Sphere, the main event needs to feature fighters known for their willingness to strike.
Who should get the first shot at Merab?
Now that Merab Dvalishvili is the new bantamweight champion, who should he defend the belt against in his first defense?
Merab Dvalishvili was everywhere in the Octagon against Sean O’Malley/Courtesy UFC
Following his title loss, Sean O’Malley will not receive an immediate rematch. Instead, it is the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov who is next in line. Fresh off an impressive victory against Cory Sandhagen this summer, Nurmagomedov will pose a serious threat to Dvalishvili.
Dvalishvili dominated at UFC 306/Courtesy UFC
Following his victory at the Sphere, Dvalishvili noted that Deiveson Figueiredo should be up next for a shot at the belt. But even though Figueiredo won his first three fights as a bantamweight, he is still at least one more significant victory away from a title shot. Nurmagomedov overpowering Sandhagen was precisely the type of win needed to get a crack at the belt, which is why Figueiredo should be advocating for a fight against Sandhagen.
O’Malley is not in line for an immediate rematch/Courtesy UFC
Sandhagen should be a popular opponent. He would also make sense for O’Malley, who needs to respond to this loss with a strong showing against a top contender (and that is a fight Sandhagen would likely relish). If O’Malley can do that, he should immediately return to the top of the title picture.
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