MMA world celebrates Thanksgiving, plus a debate over turkey
As another Thanksgiving rolls around, we take the time to appreciate not only our day-to-day blessings and the joy of friends and family, but to check in on how others are celebrating the United States’ annual tradition of gratitude.
For fighters, there’s a wide range of things one could be grateful for, whether it’s a lengthy winning streak, a lucrative fight or two under circumstances that no one could have predicted (we’re looking at you, Francis Ngannou), or even just being healthy enough to make it through another calendar year of combat sports without a major injury.
To all the fighters out there who make professional MMA what it is, we salute you.
This year, our favorite athletes are as grateful as ever, though some aren’t shying away from stirring the Thanksgiving pot, like the ever-quotable Matt Brown who has apparently decided that turkey, one of the holiday’s staples, needs to be taken down a notch.
Check out Brown’s turkey take as well as more of the best social media posts from the MMA community below.
Happy Steaksgiving! Cuz fuck Turkey! Worst meat out there! If it’s sooo good and you’re sooo excited for this trash why isn’t it there an Outback Turkey house? Or a longhorn turkeyhouse? I don’t care how you cook it either, it sucks! Eat some steak today! Or ham! Let’s go!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) November 23, 2023
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) November 23, 2023
Happy thanksgiving mma fam pic.twitter.com/k23RFn2FO4
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) November 23, 2023
Happy thanksgiving ! pic.twitter.com/MeeWcxPDXk
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) November 23, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends pic.twitter.com/Q7nEkDTYBs
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) November 23, 2023
Gratitude fills the air as we gather on this #Thanksgiving! Wishing you & loved ones a joyous celebration filled with warmth, laughter, & a table overflowing with blessings. May the spirit of thankfulness continue to brighten our lives & inspire kindness. Happy Thanksgiving! pic.twitter.com/bgzADdRrBv
— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) November 23, 2023
Today we are thankful for all the athletes who continue to define what we are and push us all to new heights. #Thanksgiving pic.twitter.com/X58ZdcAlzP
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) November 23, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving! so much to be thankful for! Wishing you all the best!
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) November 23, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) November 23, 2023
This time of year can be difficult for a lot of people.. whether you've lost loved ones, are alone, don't have anyone to be around, or dealing with mental health issues..
Please know you are important, your feelings valid, and to reach out pic.twitter.com/EJ65A7XNZ8
So incredibly thankful for another year with these incredible peeps talking UFC every week!!
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) November 23, 2023
We couldn't do this without our amazing producers, Ben, Nate, and Alex, as well as all the amazing people working behind the scenes to make sure the show runs smoothly every week! pic.twitter.com/meXYDZ0LnX
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be grateful, that’s how you stay happy!!!!
— Jared Gordon (@JFlashGordonMMA) November 23, 2023
Thanksgiving ♀️ pic.twitter.com/kltk7dG8Dr
— Randy Costa (@RandyCosta135) November 23, 2023
Happy thanksgiving I’m so thankful for my fans, and how hard y’all ride for me los amo y muchísimas gracias! Thank you!
— Tracy Cortez’s ERA (@TracyCortezmma) November 23, 2023
So much to be grateful for. Keep your family and friends close and be thankful for the ability to live life freely and pursue your dreams. Happy Thanksgiving.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 23, 2023
Happy thanksgivings yah filthy animals love pic.twitter.com/pQrGJZaAVa
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) November 23, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving From The PFL! ️ pic.twitter.com/UlcVuYUzXi
— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 23, 2023