In The Red Corner

In this final episode on In The Red Corner, we turn to a more recent and unsettling chapter: the aftermath of January 6th, and the ongoing loyalty the UFC and many of its fighters continue to show toward Trump, even as his controversies and legal battles continue to mount. We look at how the UFC, through its fighters and its public stance, has become more than just an ally—it’s a potent symbol of Trump’s MAGA movement.But it goes even deeper. This episode also sheds light on the rise of the far-right fight clubs that have sprung up in response to this political climate. Inspired by UFC culture and MAGA rhetoric, these groups take combat sports beyond the cage, training for ideological battles and civil wars that they believe are on the horizon.In The Red Corner was created by Karim Zidan and Elie Bleier and is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform. It goes a long way in making sure this labour of love reaches as many listeners as possible.While you’re at it, consider becoming a paid subscriber to Sports Politika for $5 a month. Your support will ensure that we can continue to produce high quality audio programming and investigative reporting. Get full access to Sports Politika at www.sportspolitika.news/subscribe

In the first episode of In The Red Corner, we explored the UFC's early days and how Trump played a crucial role in its rise. In this episode, we look back at Trump's rise in U.S. politics, and the role the UFC played in making his MAGA ideology a reality.We'll delve into how UFC champions followed the organization’s lead in helping solidify Trump’s popularity among fans and fighters alike. And we’ll examine how the UFC’s billion-dollar sale further fuelled the organization's shift toward MAGA politics.In The Red Corner was created by Karim Zidan and Elie Bleier and is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcast, and Spotify. You can also listen using the embed above or through the Substack app.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform. It goes a long way in making sure this labour of love reaches as many listeners as possible.While you’re at it, consider becoming a paid subscriber to Sports Politika for $5 a month. Your support will ensure that we can continue to produce high quality audio programming and investigative reporting. Get full access to Sports Politika at www.sportspolitika.news/subscribe

On the debut episode of In The Red Corner, we look back at the UFC's inception and how Trump helped save the organization during its darkest years. At least, that's how the lore goes...In The Red Corner was created by Karim Zidan and Elie Bleier and is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcast, and Spotify. You can also listen using the embed above or through the Substack app.If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review us on your favourite podcast platform. It goes a long way in making sure this labour of love reaches as many listeners as possible.While you’re at it, consider becoming a paid subscriber to Sports Politika for $5 a month. Your support will ensure that we can continue to produce high quality audio programming and investigative reporting. Get full access to Sports Politika at www.sportspolitika.news/subscribe

No other American sports league has invested as much time and effort as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has in promoting Donald Trump.The alarming trend of UFC fighters and officials campaigning for the former president – including spreading propaganda and disinformation – reveals an American sports league that has embraced its role as the sports arm of Trump’s political ideology.So how did the UFC become entangled in MAGA politics? And why does this matter now? This is what In The Red Corner attempts to answer.In the Red Corner is a Sports Politika production created by Karim Zidan and Elie Bleier. The series will be available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcast and Spotify. Get full access to Sports Politika at www.sportspolitika.news/subscribe