Why does UFC’s Conor McGregor have a gorilla on his chest? MMA fighters’ tattoos explained
It may look like a bit of ink as part of the show but for fighting stars like Megan Anderson and Israel Adesanya, it’s more than skin deep – let’s see what these tattoos really mean
If there is one thing MMA fighters dig more than their sport, it is their tattoos. Fighters as celebrated and famous as former champions Conor McGregor and Brock Lesnar are both adorned with a number of tattoos – and there are plenty more where they came from. In mixed martial arts circles, an individual’s ink can be a defining characteristic, a piece of art that not only embellishes them physically but which helps define them.
Here are some of the MMA world’s most notable tattoos and the meaning behind them.
Conor McGregor – Gorilla
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor is the sport’s biggest name and attraction. He has been inked a lot but the most obvious tattoo, unmissable in the middle of his chest, is the one of a crowned gorilla eating a heart. The design was inspired by the gorilla logo of the Straight Blast Gym-Ireland, where McGregor used to train. The design of McGregor’s gorilla is different but he wanted to use the animal anyway. He added a crown to the design because he feels “I am the king Gorilla” while adding the heart “felt right”.
Megan Anderson – Forces of darkness
UFC’s Megan Anderson grew up with a father who battled alcoholism and she herself suffered from depression and anxiety. Although not every piece on her body has a deeper meaning, Anderson has explained that, overall, her sleeves represent a descent into hell and a battle between forces of darkness and an archangel. Those tattoos, it would seem, mirror Anderson’s only past struggles.
Donald Cerrone – Play Time
Known as Cowboy Cerrone, this American UFC star has the words “Play” and “Time” tattooed down his two shins. There’s not much in the way of deeper meaning here. Cerrone simply views his fights as play time and looks to have as much fun as possible when in the ring.
