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Fighters With Faith / Faith in the Fight: How a Relationship with God Shapes Champions
Combat sports have always been a test of physical and mental endurance but for many of the world’s greatest fighters, the secret to their success lies in their faith. From the UFC Octagon to boxing rings around the globe, a consistent narrative emerges: champions credit their relationship with God as the foundation of their discipline, humility, and success.
Just this weekend for instance. UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones, whose faith is literally written on his chest. The tattoo of Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—is a declaration of where he draws his strength. After defending his heavyweight title at UFC 309 with a dominant victory over Stipe Miocic, Jones gave glory to Christ in his post-fight speech, emphasizing that none of his achievements would be possible without God.
Jon Jones, the longest performing top pound-for-pound fighter was thought to be put back in that spot after UFC 309 ranking changes. UFC CEO Dana White was fuming that Jones only got 2nd place. However with great humility Jon Jones gladly accepted his number 2 ranking. "I'm happy with it." he said. While many would argue Jones deserves the No. 1 spot, he handled it with acceptance, grace, and humility.
Faith Among the Elite: A Common Trend
Jones isn’t the only fighter at the pinnacle of MMA who credits their success to faith. The current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and current Lightweight UFC Champion, Islam Makhachev, is a devout Muslim whose relationship with Allah is central to his life and career. Makhachev’s discipline and consistency as a fighter are often attributed to the values instilled by his faith. As was the same for Islam's mentor and the prior Lightweight division juggernaut - Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Meanwhile, Alex Pereira the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, ranked No. 3 PFP, has his own spiritual journey. Having returned to Christianity after years of practicing Islam, Pereira embodies the power of faith. His story of embracing Christianity serves as a reminder that spiritual growth is a deeply personal journey that often shapes one’s character and outlook.
Faith isn’t unique among UFC champions, it seems to be the standard. Belal Muhammad, the UFC Welterweight Champion, is a devout Muslim who often credits his success to his unwavering relationship with Allah. His disciplined approach to training and his humility in victory are reflections of the values instilled by his faith.
Similarly, Dricus Du Plessis, the UFC Middleweight Champion, is a devout Christian whose victories in the cage are consistently dedicated to God. Du Plessis has often spoken about how his relationship with Christ guides him, both as a fighter and a man.
Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC Bantamweight Champion, also draws strength from his Christian faith. Known for his relentless pace and unyielding spirit, Dvalishvili credits his belief in God for helping him overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
Although Islam and Christianity differ in many aspects, they share a central tenet: worshiping the same God of Abrahamic faith. The presence of Jones, Makhachev, and Pereira at the top of the UFC rankings highlights how faith transcends cultural and religious doctrinal boundaries. Each fighter draws strength, discipline, and humility from their relationship with God, demonstrating how spirituality can elevate an athlete to extraordinary heights.
Faith as a Foundation for Greatness
It’s no coincidence that the sport’s most dominant fighters often turn to faith as their anchor. The physical and mental demands of MMA require not just skill and resilience but also a grounding force. A relationship with God provides perspective, humility, and a sense of purpose beyond the Octagon.
For Jones, faith has been a stabilizing influence amid a career marked by both triumph and turbulence. His victory speech at UFC 309 was a reflection of his spiritual transformation—a man who, despite his flaws, seeks to give glory where it’s due.
Similarly, Makhachev’s unshakeable devotion to Islam and Pereira’s renewed commitment to Christianity underscore the importance of spiritual discipline in achieving greatness. These fighters remind us that true strength often comes from acknowledging a power greater than ourselves.
You see it in most of the other champions as well and it's not just in the UFC or MMA alone.
Faith in Boxing: A Common Narrative Among the Greatest
The connection between faith and combat sports isn’t limited to MMA. Boxing, often called the "sweet science," has seen its greatest champions consistently credit their relationship with God as the foundation of their success. Fighters like Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and Muhammad Ali have openly displayed their faith, emphasizing its importance in both their personal and professional lives.
Canelo Alvarez, one of the most dominant boxers of his generation, is known for his unwavering belief in God. Canelo makes it a point to publicly thank God for his strength and success, attributing his achievements to divine guidance rather than mere talent or hard work. His humility and gratitude resonate deeply with fans who see his faith as a cornerstone of his discipline and focus.
Floyd Mayweather Jr., while often associated with his flashy lifestyle, has consistently credited God as his source of strength and protection. His famous post-fight phrase, "First off, I want to thank God," reflects a recurring theme in his life. Mayweather has often spoken about how prayer and faith have helped him overcome challenges, both in the ring and outside of it.
Manny Pacquiao, arguably one of the most devout boxers in history, has used his platform to openly evangelize and share his Christian faith. Known as the "PacMan," Pacquiao’s story of redemption and transformation is deeply tied to his relationship with God. He frequently speaks about how faith helped him rise from poverty, navigate controversies, and find purpose beyond boxing.
Tyson Fury, one of the greatest active Heavyweight boxers in the world is a loud and proud Christian. He appoints all his success to God and adamantly proclaims that none of it was possible until he started building that relationship.
Oleksandr Usyk, is the first Undisputed Heavyweight World Boxing champion in 20 years - the first to give Tyson Fury a loss and above all a devout Christian. He kissed a cross between every round while fighting Fury and has displayed his deep faith in God among his legendary boxing career.
Lennox Lewis, was the last Undisputed Heavyweight World Boxing Champion before Usyk, 20 years ago. He also was a devout Christian and strongly proclaimed his faith in everything.
Then there’s Muhammad Ali, one of the most iconic figures in sports history. Ali’s faith journey was central to his identity, from his conversion to Islam to his unwavering belief in standing for what he thought was right.
A Universal Narrative of Faith and Greatness
Whether through Christianity, Islam, or other spiritual paths, the world’s best fighters share a consistent narrative: their relationship with God is central to their success. It serves as a guiding force that shapes their discipline, resilience, and ability to rise to the occasion.
These fighters’ faith underscores a universal truth about combat sports: success isn’t just about physical strength or skill. It’s also about inner peace, humility, and a sense of purpose. Whether they’re stepping into the ring or navigating life’s challenges, these athletes find strength in their faith, which helps them stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.
This shared attribute among the greatest MMA and boxing champions sends a powerful message. At the highest levels of combat sports, faith transcends competition. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a relationship with God and its ability to elevate not just careers but lives.
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