In this era of UFC, fighter expression is rare, which is why custom UFC shorts are so popular.
There was a time when fighters put their brand deals on display, making sponsorship a form of self-expression both inside and outside the cage. This individuality extended to custom battle banners and unique strikes.
However, the UFC's one-size-fits-all partnerships with companies like Reebok and Venum changed the landscape and stripped fighters of much of their creative freedom. Today, the gradual return of the fighter's flair feels more like a novelty, even if the monetary rewards that once accompanied it are a thing of the past.
This doesn't mean that fans don't like the designs. Alex Pereira and Max Holloway's custom trunks at UFC 300 turned heads, and now Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili are set to debut their signature looks at UFC 311.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili get custom shorts for UFC 311
Makhachev's shorts represent the Caucasus mountains, with what appears to be a Caucasian Qama (dagger) on the right leg. Dvalishvili's shorts feature the white and red of the Georgian flag, with faint images of what is believed to be a Georgian warrior on horseback and a block of text on the right rear thigh.
The text appears to be an excerpt from the Georgian poem 'The Knight in the Panther Skin' by Shota Rustaveli. It says, “A glorious death is better than a shameful life.” This is fitting for Dvalishvili, who previously joked that he would have ended his life with a loss to Henry Cejudo at UFC 298.
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At this time, it has not been confirmed if other UFC 311 fighters will receive a custom look.
A look back at the best custom UFC shorts
Alex Pereira's custom UFC shorts paid tribute to his indigenous roots, with a pop of Pataxó color.
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Charles Oliveira's shorts reflected his upbringing in 'Do Bronx', or the favelas of Brazil.
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Max Holloway's shorts brought an element of Hawaiian expression to the Octagon.
Country boy Bryce Mitchell has his camo pants.
Leon Edwards' shorts for UFC 304 brought together elements of Jamaica and the United Kingdom.
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Zhang Weili's shorts reminded fans of a Chinese dragon.
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Dustin Poirier exudes the tropical essence of Louisiana.
Dricus Du Plessis represented South Africa.
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