UFC fans, much like the sport itself, are raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically bold. At press conferences, it’s not uncommon for fans to get wild, even throwing shade at fighters right to their faces. Former UFC star Derek Brunson exposed the wild mood swings of MMA fans, sharing a screenshot of an Instagram DM he got. One minute, the fan was all love, and the next, pure hate. Consequently, he labels MMA fans as bipolar.
In his post, Brunson highlighted two contrasting messages from the same fan. One day, the fan praised him as his favorite fighter, but just days later, he was throwing shade, claiming that Dricus Du Plessis “owns” him in light of Brunson’s loss to the current Middleweight UFC champ.
There is no doubt that with this he perfectly points out how quickly opinions can flip. Where at one moment you’re their idol, and the next, you’re the subject of their mockery. Constantly, Brunson humorously labeled the fans as “bipolar” in nature, suggesting the unpredictability of the MMA fanbase.
Are Only UFC Fans Bipolar in Nature?
To answer it simply, this behavior isn’t limited to combat sports; it’s a reflection of fans in general. Thanks to the parasocial relationships they develop with public figures, fans become deeply attached, leading them to feel personally invested in every move their favorite fighter makes.
This strong bond can make fans switch from love to hate, showing just how emotional fan interactions can be in any sport. Whether they’re cheering for a win or expressing disappointment after a loss, these passionate reactions reveal the deep investment fans have in their favorite athletes or teams.
Fans don’t just form connections in sports; they also build relationships with movies, books, and other entertainment. While Derek Brunson may refer to MMA fans as bipolar, this trait applies to all fans. This emotional connection is what defines being a fan.
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