Elon Musk v. Dollar Store Jon Favreau and How the UFC Conquered America
Mar 6, 2025
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Jack Crosbie, a Rolling Stone reporter known for his insights on the UFC's rise, dives into the cultural intertwining of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and political movements like MAGA. He examines why UFC resonates with young men today, emphasizing its connection to modern masculinity. The conversation also highlights the wild dynamics of Trump and Musk in today's media landscape, touching on the implications of deepfakes and online activism. Join for a humorous yet critical take on how combat sports reflect broader societal issues.
The UFC has become a cultural touchstone for young men, intertwining traditional masculinity with contemporary political narratives shaped by figures like Trump.
The sport provides an outlet for feelings of alienation and frustration among young men, offering narratives of strength and resilience that resonate deeply.
Despite its right-wing associations, martial arts promotes values such as respect and community, revealing a potential for inclusivity within the UFC culture.
There is an opportunity for the UFC to evolve its narratives towards focusing on community and respect, transcending divisive tribalism in sports.
Deep dives
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Politics and UFC's Cultural Impact
The UFC has become intertwined with American politics, particularly as a platform for both Donald Trump and a demographic of young men seeking identity. During Trump's public appearances, particularly at UFC events, there is a spectacle reminiscent of a fighter's grand entrance, appealing to a desire for strength and hope. The excitement surrounding these events illustrates how the UFC has harnessed the cultural energy of young men, who find meaning in the allegorical battles that unfold in the octagon. This connection hints at the larger conversations about masculinity and belonging in today's society.
Crisis of Masculinity
The appeal of the UFC can also be linked to a perceived crisis of masculinity, where young men feel alienated and marginalized in contemporary society. The sport provides a space where they can channel frustration and aggression positively, offering an outlet for pent-up emotions. This connection to traditional masculinity—emphasizing strength, resilience, and combat—is marketed effectively through UFC's fighters and events. The notion of overcoming adversity resonates with these men, giving them a narrative to align with their struggles.
Valuing Strength and Individualism
Mixed martial arts, and particularly the UFC, emphasizes themes of individualism and resilience, underlining the message that strength is critical to winning both in the cage and in life. This empowering narrative appeals to many young men who seek a way to reclaim agency in their lives amid a challenging socioeconomic landscape. The UFC champions the idea that through hard work and self-discipline, one can conquer personal and societal challenges. By presenting martial arts as a pathway to personal empowerment, the UFC capitalizes on the desire for control and success in a turbulent world.
The Role of Spectacle in Sports
The spectacle of UFC events—the stunning entrances, dramatic matchups, and intense rivalries—creates a captivating atmosphere that resonates deeply with audiences. Fans are drawn to the thrill of watching two fighters face off, embodying their own feelings of frustration and desire for victory. This spectacle, combined with the narratives crafted around the fighters, reinforces a sense of community among supporters who invest emotionally in the outcomes. As a result, the UFC effectively taps into a collective yearning for connection in a fragmented society, turning athletic competition into a shared cultural experience.
Martial Arts as Expression
Despite the UFC's connections to traditional masculine ideals, martial arts can also promote respect, discipline, and community among practitioners. Many gyms foster environments where diversity is celebrated, and individuals of all backgrounds can train together, transcending political or cultural divides. This camaraderie within martial arts communities highlights the potential for the sport to serve as a unifying force. Although the UFC has leaned heavily into narratives that align with right-wing ideologies, the inherent values of martial arts offer alternative expressions of masculinity that can promote inclusivity and respect.
Potential for Cultural Evolution
As the UFC continues to thrive, there lies an opportunity for a cultural reimagining of its narratives surrounding masculinity and competition. By shifting focus from tribalistic rivalry to interwoven community and respect, fighters and fans alike can experience the sport differently. This evolution requires a broader cultural shift beyond the UFC, encouraging voices that advocate for more inclusive narratives. The growing awareness of diverse identities within martial arts can potentially reshape how the sport is perceived and experienced, making space for progressive ideologies to flourish.
Not too long ago, Donald Trump, Joe Rogan, and Dana White—Offline’s favorite power brokers—identified UFC as a pathway for reshaping culture and politics around their idea of masculinity. Rolling Stone Magazine’s Jack Crosbie joins the pod to explain the parallel rise of MAGA and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and break down why the sport is so appealing to young men. But first! Jon and Max run through some very Offline moments in Trump's joint congressional address, starting with the President comparing himself to victims of deepfake pornography. Then, they dive into Jon and Elon’s storied past, and what led Favs to intercede on peanut butter gate—a loss for the Focus Challenge, but a win for ending child hunger. Finally, they take a look at the economic blackout, whose slogan “don’t buy stuff" took off on social media this week.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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