UFC: 5 Power Couples That Are Still Going Strong (And 5 That Didn’t Last)

Sometimes an MMA gym is the perfect place to turn a sparring partner into a life partner.

Ronda Rousey Travis Browne
Instagram/@travisbrownemma

Dating a co-worker isn't all that unusual. After all, most people spend more time at work than anywhere else, thus making it a logical place to meet the guy or gal of one's dreams.

While fighting in a cage is certainly a unique way to make a living, MMA competitors have also been known to fraternize with their co-workers. In truth, who could better understand the trials and tribulations a fighter goes through than a fellow mixed martial artist? Which is why we have seen so many of the sport's top stars canoodling with each other outside of the gym. In fact, some of the UFC's most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes have been romantically linked to more than one fighter though usually not at the same time.

Sadly, many of our favorite MMA couples didn't last. That being said, more than a few wound up making their sparring partner their eventual life partners as well.

With that in mind, it's time to take a closer look at 10 of most high-profile MMA couples in recent years. We'll find out which couples are still going strong and which duos ended up going their separate ways.

10. Didn’t Last: Cris Cyborg & Evangelista Santos

It's a little known fact that Cristiane Justino Venancio's nickname "Cyborg" was adopted from her ex-husband, Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos. For those unfamiliar, Evangelista Santos is a retired mixed martial artist who fought in promotions like Bellator and Strikeforce from 1997 to 2016.

Cris and Evangelista were one of MMA's original power couples. The two trained together and were married from 2005 until December of 2011. Despite the divorce, the pair remain good friends to this day.

Currently, Cris Cyborg is engaged to her trainer and retired mixed martial artist Ray Elbe Wallace. Wallace won several titles in smaller organizations and is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. The couple officially announced their engagement back in December of 2017.

Contributor
Contributor

From 1999-2003 Jacques performed on the Florida independent pro wrestling circuit. He also has an amateur wrestling background and currently holds a certification in Krav Maga. Jacques graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003, with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. He currently resides in Chicago, Illinois. Follow him on twitter @goodeals79.