Paris Olympics' controversial opening ceremony has former UFC heavyweight fuming: "Annnnnd I'm out"
A former UFC heavyweight has taken to X/Twitter to express outrage over the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. For reference, the ceremony featured LGBTQ+ themes integrated into a rendition of the Last Supper, one of the most important events in the Christian faith.
In orthodox Christian doctrine, the Last Supper is regarded as the final meal that Jesus Christ, the central figure in Christianity, had prior to his death by cruxifixion, one of the most eschatologically relevant events in the religion. However, the Olympics' opening ceremony courted controversy by depicting the Last Supper.
Specifically, it featured a naked man in blue paint with only vines covering his genitals playing the role of Jesus. Moreover, he was surrounded by drag queens as the Twelve Apostles during the performance. Naturally, the opening offended many, including ex-UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub.
"Annnnnd I'm out. Lemme know in four years if the Olympics get their sh*t together."
Schaub isn't the only figure in the combat sports world to express outrage. Controversial boxing superstar Ryan Garcia, who is currently serving a one-year suspension following a positive test for ostarine, has also taken aim at the ceremony organizers due to the depth of his Christian beliefs.
Despite the issue Garcia took with how the ceremony was handled, he is himself currently embroiled in his own religious scandal, as he was recently expelled by the WBC for a racist and Islamophobic rant targeting both black people and Muslims.
Regardless, more controversy is expected to arise, as many have taken issue with the LGBTQ+ themes being intermingled with Christian ones in the opening ceremony.
Former UFC fighter Jake Shields also criticized the Olympics opening ceremony
While Brendan Schaub has gained attention for his feelings on the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, another former UFC fighter has echoed his thoughts. Former welterweight title challenger Jake Shields lambasted the ceremony on X/Twitter.
"The Olympics has banned the hijab but is allowing tr*nnies to mock the Last Supper"
Shields is known for his inflammatory social media content, and he does not shy away from controversy, and will likely be among the most vocal combat sports figures expressing outrage over the ceremony.