Academy Award-winning actor Mel Gibson often sympathizes with UFC fighters who suffer stomach cramps in the cage.
MMA is not for everyone. Martial arts involve some of the most brutal injuries you'll ever see in the cage, along with graphic cuts that turn some of the most stable stomachs into knots.
The perception of MMA fighting, from its early label as “human cockfighting” to a global phenomenon, has evolved over the decades of competition. Top names like Jon Jones, Conor McGregor and Alex Pereira wouldn't have become as popular without the UFC's determination to excel.
Mel Gibson, one of the prominent figures in the film, is a huge fight fan. While he is one of many celebrities who are regulars at UFC events, he sympathizes with fighters who suffer unthinkable damage in the Octagon.
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Mel Gibson describes the rollercoaster of a UFC regular
During a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson admitted that sometimes he can't stomach the damage fighters suffer in the Octagon.
“I'm addicted to the UFC, I love it. But I know these guys… I feel sorry for them,” Gibson said. “I knew one of the guys pretty well, and usually I'm pretty immune to it [nausea]. He fought Alexander Volkanovski and it was Brian Ortega, and he had his hand dealt to him. He almost got him a few times.
“But knowing Brian, it was like my son was in there. I almost started crying, and it occurred to me, 'I should probably feel that way about all these guys, but I don't know them that well.'”
Gibson isn't the only celebrity who often talks about the UFC and its upcoming fights. US President-elect Donald Trump has attended numerous events in recent years and is a long-time friend of UFC CEO Dana White.
Gibson's admissions are not uncommon, even among loyalist UFC viewers. Graphic injuries, including leg fractures, provoke emotional responses from fight fans, experts and fellow fighters.
Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg and Leonardo DiCaprio are among Hollywood's biggest UFC fans
The specific fight that Gibson mentioned in his quotes above took place at UFC 266. In one of the greatest UFC featherweight fights ever, Brian Ortega fought through extreme damage against Alexander Volkanovski to go the full five-round distance.
UFC events are not nearly as wild and graphic as they were in the early days of the sport. Fights are considerably safer with modern equipment and more restrictions, although that doesn't stop some fighters from getting nasty cuts and scars.
Gibson isn't retreating from his UFC fandom anytime soon, and his admissions reflect the same feeling that many avid combat sports fans deal with on a regular basis.
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