Veganism in the UFC

Posted by Jill Harris Sep 23, 2007

What makes an ultimate fighter? Determination, passion, and perhaps….a vegan diet? It’s been done before in sports like marathon running, adventure racing, and triathlons, but Ultimate Fighter Mac Danzig takes a vegan diet to a whole new level.

Mac opened up to PETA in an interview discussing his road to veganism, which began at a very young age – 13! And while he doesn’t mention the impact of his diet on training specifically, it is obvious that he is not at any competitive disadvantage by excluding animal products.

A point I would have like to see addressed in the interview (and this may come out later in the Ultimate Fighter reality show season) is how the other group members and fighters view his plant-based diet. There seems to be a manly “meat and potatoes” culture that is still prevalent, especially among “macho” type guys. Perhaps they feel threatened by someone who doesn’t consume meat but is still in fantastic physical and mental shape. It does challenge classic ideas; remnants from decades past.

What I love most about Mac’s interview with PETA is the obvious contrast between being a lean, mean, fighting machine, and yet also an animal rights activist who believes in not harming animals. I bet his opponents which he would go so easy on them.