The annual Golden Globes awards ceremony is an illustrious night of glamour and recognition in the entertainment industry, but this year took an unexpected twist as two UFC fighters, Brian Ortega and Mackenzie Dern, emerged as surprising contenders for attention.
While the awards celebrated outstanding performances in film and television, it was the athletes’ charisma and achievements that stole the show, turning the spotlight towards Mixed Martial Arts and its crossover appeal into mainstream culture.
With that said, let’s dive straight in to find out which two UFC fighters stole the Golden Globes spotlight on January 12, 2026.
Brian Ortega: from octagon to red carpet
Brian Ortega, known for his ferocious fighting style and dedicated fanbase, made waves beyond the octagon this year. His participation in the Golden Globes was symbolic of MMA athletes breaking traditional boundaries.
He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit and swaggered around with an aura of confidence, drawing interviews from major media outlets who were more than eager to know his thoughts on both the event and the blending of worlds of sports and entertainment.
As Ortega mingled with Hollywood A-listers, he took the opportunity to shed light on the growing popularity of MMA. He shared his experiences about training alongside some of the best fighters in the world and reflected on how the UFC has become a cultural touchstone, much like the film and television industries.
Sports bettors also took note of his presence, with Kalshi odds reflecting the growing influence of MMA athletes in various aspects of popular culture, including non-sporting events like the Golden Globes.
In addition to his role as a fighter, Brian Ortega has also ventured into acting, which showcases his versatility. His planned film projects, which are steeped in themes reflecting perseverance and resilience, further blur the lines between an athlete’s life in the octagon and that on the silver screen.
Mackenzie Dern: the MMA star making waves
Mackenzie Dern, another prominent figure in the UFC scene, brought a unique blend of combat sports and elegance to the Golden Globes. As one of the most successful female fighters, her presence at the event highlighted the rising stardom of women in MMA.
Dern has not only impressed fans with her grappling skills but has also made significant strides in promoting the sport’s female athletes.
At the Golden Globes, Dern graced the red carpet in a stunning gown and effortlessly merged glamour and athleticism. She used the spotlight to advocate for women in sports, discussing the importance of representation and empowerment.
Her interview segments resonated with viewers, reminding them that athletes can successfully transcend their disciplines and contribute to broader conversations in society.
In interviews, Dern expressed her enthusiasm for integrating martial arts into various aspects of culture, stressing how UFC fighters can be role models off the mat. Furthermore, her rise in both the fight game and Hollywood serves as an inspiration that the realms of sports and entertainment don’t need to be separate but can interweave beautifully.
Cultural impact of UFC Fighters at the Golden Globes
The presence of Brian Ortega and Mackenzie Dern at the Golden Globes this year signifies an important cultural shift in how UFC fighters are perceived. No longer are they solely athletes in a combat sport. They are becoming more complete stars who can captivate diverse audiences across various popular culture mediums.
This integration of MMA into high-profile entertainment events helps bridge the gap between fan bases, enabling sports enthusiasts and movie buffs to come together.
Additionally, their participation in such events helps counter myths regarding fighters being solely focused on physical prowess. Their charisma, eloquence, and ability to engage with cultural topics showcased that UFC fighters have depth beyond their fighting careers.
Final thoughts
The Golden Globes 2026 served as an unexpected stage for UFC fighters Brian Ortega and Mackenzie Dern, and it highlighted the evolving intersection of sports and mainstream entertainment.
With their striking presence, both athletes opened the door to future cohesion between different worlds, showcasing that passion and talent can thrive across a multitude of arenas.
As MMA and UFC events continue to rise in popularity, the influence of its fighters will undoubtedly resonate in ways that may shape both industries for years to come.
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