UFC fans know that when it comes to the sport, the drama isn’t just confined to the Octagon. It’s the personal feuds, legal battles, and off-the-cuff comments that often steal the spotlight. And 2024 has been no different. Whether it’s canceled fights or jaw-dropping controversies, this year’s MMA scene has kept us on the edge of our seats.

So, what’s been making headlines and shaking up the biggest MMA promotion in the world? Let’s take a closer look at the biggest controversies that had fans buzzing.

UFC 303: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler canceled

It’s hard to imagine a UFC event without Conor McGregor in front and center. Fans were gearing up for his return at UFC 303, where he was set to face Michael Chandler in a much-anticipated showdown. But just days before the bout, the Irishman broke his pinky toe during training, throwing a wrench into the entire event.

‘The Notorious’ shared his frustration on Instagram, saying, “We were so f—g super ready for this fight… A slight lapse in concentration and a nuisance of an injury was picked up. That’s it. Take the lesson and move forward.” But, as always, fans were quick to throw their doubts into the mix, with some speculating that McGregor might be faking the injury.

Although UFC 303 went on without the Irishman, the superstar hasn’t stepped foot inside the Octagon since. His return is now further plagued with the recent civil lawsuit voes which we will discuss later. Moreover, his desire to try his hands at boxing against Logan Paul in a reported exhibition bout before finally donning the UFC gloves has cast doubts on his competitive will. Despite being on a two-fight skid after losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021, his larger-than-life personality and egoistic skills keep him at the forefront of UFC’s biggest pay-per-view events. But we will have to see if that comes to fruition or not!

Jon Jones was accused of hostility during a dr*g test

What’s UFC without a little drama involving Jon Jones? The UFC heavyweight champ was back in the headlines after accusations surfaced that he acted aggressively during a drug test scheduled by the promotion’s new drug testing partner DFSI at his New Mexico home. According to the report, ‘Bones’ allegedly cursed, grabbed the tester’s phone and showed hostility during the process.

Jones pleaded not guilty to a pair of misdemeanor charges such as assault and interference with communication, stemming from the March testing session. He appeared in court virtually, seated next to his attorney, who successfully requested that Jones remain free pending trial. The 37-year-old, however, fired back, calling the claims “baseless” and even sharing video footage where the tester could be seen giving him a high-five after the encounter. But let’s be honest, when it comes to Jones, there’s always a bit of skepticism.

So, does this add another black mark to Jones’ legacy? Or are fans willing to look past his off-the-cage antics, especially given his dominance in the Octagon? We will have to see as the consensus MMA GOAT looks to lock in his next adventure in 2025.

Arman Tsarukyan passes a lewd comment on Kayla Harrison

When Arman Tsarukyan took the mic at a pre-UFC 300 fan Q&A, he likely didn’t expect to land himself in hot water. A fan threw out a disrespectful question about Kayla Harrison, asking how many times he would “give her your d**k, bro?” Ahalkalakets’ response, “a couple,” sparked laughter from the crowd, but it quickly turned ugly on social media.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and pro-MMA fighter, was unaware of the comment at first but didn’t hold back when she found out. “It’s disrespectful not just to me but to all female fighters,” she said, emphasizing that such remarks have no place in MMA. The multi-faceted athlete, who’s also an advocate for se**al abuse survivors, made it clear she wouldn’t tolerate that kind of behavior.

At UFC 300, Harrison made waves with her bantamweight debut, earning a second-round submission victory over Holly Holm. Tsarukyan has since opened up about his relationship with Harrison, clarifying that despite the inappropriate fan questions, their bond remains strong. The situation sparked bigger conversations about sexism in MMA. Can the sport do more to protect its female athletes, or is this just another blemish on the UFC’s reputation?

Nick Diaz’s concerning video goes viral

Nick Diaz’s return to the Octagon at UFC 310 had fans buzzing, but things took a worrying turn when a viral video surfaced showing the Stockton legend in a troubling state. In the footage, Diaz appeared disoriented, shirtless, and lighting something on fire outside late at night. Fans quickly began to wonder if Diaz’s struggles with addiction and mental health were resurfacing.

To make matters worse, an Instagram story from his long-time partner read, “Dr**s always come to an end. Addiction either takes your life or you become sober,” which many took as a reference to Diaz’s ongoing struggles with addiction and mental health. And just days before UFC 310, the promotion confirmed Diaz was out of his bout against Vicente Luque.

In his place, Themba Gorimbo stepped in. Diaz, who has not competed since his 2021 loss to Robbie Lawler, has now withdrawn from multiple comeback attempts. So, what’s next for Diaz? Can he find his way back to the Octagon, or is it time for him to focus on his health first?

Conor McGregor caught in a shocking legal controversy

‘The Notorious’ just can’t seem to stay out of the headlines, but this time, it’s not for his knockout power or trash talk, it’s for a shocking legal battle. In a civil trial, Conor McGregor was found liable for s**ual assault related to an incident at a Dublin hotel back in 2018. The jury’s verdict? Over €248,000 (£206,000) in damages to the plaintiff, Nikita Hand.

But here’s the kicker, McGregor’s not going down without a fight. He’s denied the allegations and plans to appeal the verdict, insisting he’s innocent. Caught in a legal whirlwind, the Ireland native sat in the back row of the courtroom, shaking his head as the decision was read. With his partner Dee Devlin and family by his side, McGregor didn’t hold back on social media, thanking his supporters and stating, “I am with my family now, focused on my future.”

Can he bounce back from this? Will this legal storm overshadow his career? Nikita Hand, the plaintiff, has made it clear that she wants others to know they can speak up, “No matter how afraid you might be, you have a voice.” What will be his next chapter or will his legal troubles prevent him from stepping back into the spotlight?

2024 has been a rollercoaster for UFC fans, with drama both inside and outside the Octagon keeping everyone on their toes. What do you think, will the controversies continue to define the sport, or will fighters rise above the drama and reclaim their legacy? Let us know in the comments below!