In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan (BJJ Mental Models) is joined by Tim Lee Peterson for a candid conversation about the UFC’s growing alignment with far-right politics. They discuss how combat sports are being used as a cultural vehicle for political extremism, including the visible support of authoritarian figures and the platforming of openly fascist athletes.
The discussion explores how these developments impact the broader martial arts community, the role of disinformation, and the danger of normalizing political violence and exclusionary ideologies in a sport that should be about inclusion, discipline, and mutual respect.
🎙️ Follow Steve: @bjjmentalmodels on Instagram and Threads
🎙️ Follow Tim: @timothyleepeterson on Instagram and Threads
Published by
More from Fighting Matters
-
How HEMA Pushed Out White Supremacists (And What BJJ Can Learn)
Apr 9, 2026
-
Jiu-Jitsu in the Face of War and Economic Disaster
Mar 22, 2026
-
Jiu-Jitsu Isn't Therapy
Mar 19, 2026
-
The Invisible Heart of BJJ (w/ Valerie Worthington)
Mar 12, 2026
-
How MAGA is Using Religion to Go to War
Mar 5, 2026