L. Carmouche (photo) was the first UFC fighter to come out as homosexual. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
As is the case in many sports, the subject of homosexuality is still taboo in the world of MMA. Since the UFC's inception in 1993, no male fighter from the sport's elite has publicly come out as gay – however, some of Ultimate's prominent names believe that the presence of a homosexual in MMA would not be a big problem.
Joseph Benavidez, currently number two in the UFC flyweight category ranking, admitted that he would even find it interesting for a gay man to participate in a high-profile fight. "Why not? It would be cool to see a gay guy just beating up someone. I think it would be much cooler. It would shatter the stereotype”, he analyzed, in an interview with the website of the North American broadcaster “FOX Sports”.
Benavidez also believes that such a gay fighter would not receive extra criticism because of his sexual orientation. “Fans will talk nonsense to you no matter what your sexual orientation is,” he pondered.
Chuck Liddell, former light heavyweight champion and member of the Hall of Fame of the UFC, believes that if someone came out as gay in MMA, it wouldn't make a difference. “If he’s tough, who cares? If he's a fighter, he's a fighter. As long as he wins fights, it doesn’t matter”, he said briefly.
Liz Carmouche was the first UFC athlete to come out as homosexual. The fighter, a former member of the US Navy, even competed for the women's bantamweight category belt, losing to the champion, Ronda Rousey. In July last year, she had the first fight between homosexuals at the event, beating the Brazilian Jessica Andrade by technical knockout.
Your most recent opponent, Miesha Tate, considers that the subject should be treated more naturally. “People shouldn’t be afraid to be who they are. Period”, he commented. “Regardless of what you are, at the end of the day, that’s up to you”, concluded the fighter.
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