I am a pastor and a huge fan of the UFC and MMA in general, and I see absolutely no conflict with my faith what so ever. MMA is a sport and those who choose to compete train for years to prepare for their matches, and they do this by choice. They are athletes like any other athletes and it really bothers me when holier than thou Christians cast their judgement against a sport they don’t understand while sitting every Sunday afternoon in their recliners watching football, as if God has somehow given them the ability to decide just how much violence is acceptable. Sadly this kind of judgement is far to common from Christians today.

I have watched you fight ever since you first came to the UFC and admire you for your huge heart, your abilities, the honorable way you represent the sport, and for your willingness to stand firm on your faith in God. To follow Christ is to be criticized, Jesus was, so I expect we will be too. Stand firm my friend and know there are many Christians, and a bunch of pastors too, that love the sport and love you!

In fact there is usually 5-10 Christians in my house for every PPV UFC event, and I mean every single one. My Birthday, Valentines, Christmas, Anniversary, and everything else present from my wife, is PPV UFC all year long. She thinks its crazy, I think its the greatest present ever. She has actually become somewhat of a fan. I haven’t missed a UFC in 5 or 6 years and I’m sure not going to let petty judgemental Christians guilt me out of the joy I get watching the greatest sport on the planet. Being on the leadership team of a church of 7000 is a seriously stressful and tough job, UFC is one of the best things that takes me away from it all because it brings me such joy. One day I will be at one live. Seems like Texas is on the radar and they’re getting closer all the time

Stand firm for Christ my friend and know there are many Christians standing with you!

Pastor John Atkinson