MMA & The Fascist Physique
A discussion on how fascism is spreading within the MMA (and BJJ) community.
Typically I always enjoy the more lighthearted and cheerful pieces put out by my friends here at Fight Island like Jessica’s Lamentable Dustmen series, or Carl’s pieces detailing the histories of the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. Those are fun reads. This piece, not so fun for me to write but I did have a internal feeling that said I needed to it get off my chest.
Simply put, MMA and BJJ have an issue with fascism existing within theirs communities. I say “weird” not in the sense it’s confusing, I understand how people cling to that ideology. I say it because I personally think the people who are super into that sort of worldview are weirdos who nobody wants to sit at the lunch table with. Something all of us here at Fight Island remark upon, rant about, and lament that exists in our sport of choice. This sort of rhetoric has no place and we don’t want it to exist whatsoever. It pretty much goes against the nature and ethos of combat sports but no matter what, it still persists to hang around.
Today, I want to discuss this topic at some length but not through the lens of pure politics. In fact, I don’t feel confident in discussing that specific aspect and would refer you to Karim Zidan’s excellent work at Sportspolitika. It’s seriously second to none in my view.
Instead, I want to talk about something that was sparked by a YouTube video I watched called The Fascist Physique: Weaponizing the Body by Meeka le Fay. In it she discusses fascism’s obsession with the “ideal body” and from there I saw parallels that exist in combat sports that I wanted to jabber about.
Assuming you’ve taken the time to go watch the video, let’s just hop right into it.
What is the Fascist Physique?
As Meeka discusses in their video, the concept of the "Fascist Physique" glorifies an idealized image of strength, dominance, and authoritarian control, often tying physical perfection to hierarchical and exclusionary ideologies. While such ideas are antithetical to the foundational principles of martial arts like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), these combat sports have, in certain instances, become entangled with toxic cultural narratives that promote hyper-masculinity and authoritarian values. This infiltration threatens the values of respect, humility, and inclusivity that are integral to these disciplines.
For example, BJJ was built on, and promotes, the premise that technique, strategy, and discipline allow practitioners to overcome opponents, regardless of size or strength. Royce Gracie’s success at UFC 1 encapsulates this notion and has been used for decades as evidence of why BJJ is such a fundamentally important martial art to train for self defense, as well as within the context of the sport fo MMA. However, this central tenet challenges the fixation on physical supremacy that fascist ideals perpetuate both throughout history and in modern discussions. Similarly, MMA, which incorporates techniques from diverse martial arts, thrives on its inclusivity and adaptability. Both sports provide avenues for personal growth and emphasize mutual respect and humility. However, these spaces are increasingly being co-opted by figures whose rhetoric and actions run counter to these values.
Who Seemingly Promotes the Fascist Physique?
There are plenty of individuals who espouse the concept of the fascist physique and the related ideology that pairs with it. We can see this in individuals at our local gym who will gleefully parrot and repeat specific talking points they themselves heard from someone else. Most typically we can identify a handful of notable and influential folks who appear to be able to sway the community to their way of thinking.
Former kickboxer turned social media influencer turned sex-trafficer turned Romanian prison inhabitant Andrew Tate has become a prominent example of how combat sports can serve as a gateway for toxic ideologies. Tate has used his background in martial arts to bolster his credibility while spreading deeply misogynistic and authoritarian ideas, such as referring to women as "property" and promoting male dominance. To the point that he was arrested for sex-trafficking in Romania and is also wanted in the UK for other crimes related to that behavior. His influence, particularly among young men, has framed combat sports not as tools for self-improvement but as instruments of power and control, something he routinely rails about to this day. This distortion of the inherent values founding within martial arts has drawn criticism but also highlighted the potential for these ideologies to take root in combat sports communities.
Similarly, celebrating BJJ competitor Gordon Ryan has also sparked controversy with statements that many view as promoting elitism and dismissing critics with derision. Specifically Gordon seems to really dislike transgender people, those with housing instability, and probably a few more but I think you get the gist of what kind of person he is from those two. While his comments may reflect competitive bravado, the underlying tone does nothing more than reinforce a culture of exclusion and superiority. Which is ironic given him criticizing the Gracies dojo-storming in Brazil for the exact same thing, but I digress. The promotion of such a culture only alienates individuals who do not conform to the hyper-masculine ideals often associated with the fascist physique, thus creating unwelcoming environments. With his own remarks, it would appear that individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community and other diverse socioeconomic backgrounds would be unwelcome in his presence.
Joe Rogan, a longtime advocate for MMA and BJJ, has further complicated the discourse through his influential and increasingly controversial podcast over the years. While Rogan often celebrates martial arts as pathways to personal growth and resilience, his platforming of controversial figures who themselves have espoused bigoted remarks and behavior prior to, and after, their discussions with Rogan has drawn criticism for normalizing exclusionary narratives. By failing to critically analyze let alone challenge his guests espousing hierarchical or rigidly traditional views, Rogan himself undermines the values he claims martial arts provide to humanity. And that is not only with regards to combat sports adjacent guests, but those who come from outside the martial arts community. Rogan himself has had a troubled history espousing bigoted remarks about transgender individuals, which would contradict the inclusivity element that is found within martial arts. With such a large influence over the community, Rogan’s talking points are repeatedly parroted if not those of his guests.
The dangers posed by these narratives are manifold. Combat sports gyms, with their inherent focus on discipline and hierarchy, can become fertile grounds for radicalization if not actively managed to promote inclusivity. Something the aforementioned Karim Zidan has investigated a fair bit. Far-right groups in Europe, for example, have encouraged members to train in martial arts as part of their ideological commitment to physical and ideological supremacy. These efforts erode the welcoming ethos of martial arts and risk turning gyms into spaces of exclusion and hostility. This shift marginalizes vulnerable groups, driving away women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color, thereby undermining the diversity that strengthens the martial arts community.
How to Prevent The Spread
To combat these challenges, it is essential any and all members of the martial arts community actively resist the spread of such fascist ideologies. Gyms can play a critical role by fostering inclusive cultures where respect and mutual support are paramount. Initiatives like “Roll for Diversity” in BJJ offer models for promoting inclusivity and countering toxic narratives. Highlighting role models who embody the best of martial arts values can also help redirect the community’s focus toward humility, respect, and growth. Simply put, stop platforming bigots.
Educational initiatives within gyms can reinforce the principles of martial arts, ensuring that practitioners understand the importance of inclusivity and the dangers of toxic ideologies. Accountability is also essential. Prominent figures in MMA and BJJ must be held to high standards, with the community calling out statements and actions that perpetuate harmful narratives.
MMA and BJJ are more than sports; they are transformative disciplines that teach resilience, discipline, and respect. The infiltration of fascist ideals threatens these core values, but through active resistance and a recommitment to their principles, the martial arts community can ensure that these sports remain spaces for empowerment, growth, and inclusivity. By standing firmly against the divisive forces of the fascist physique, practitioners and leaders can uphold the integrity of martial arts and protect the spirit that makes these disciplines so profoundly impactful.