In an unexpected twist, pop superstar Ariana Grande has taken the mixed martial arts world by storm with a hilarious parody video promoting UFC 308. The sketch, which aired on Saturday Night Live, features Grande impersonating Celine Dion while poking fun at various UFC personalities and iconic moments.
The video opens with Grande, in full Celine Dion attire, explaining that while football connects us to our past, there’s another sport that “ignites the bittersweet memories that live inside my soul, and in the octagon.” What follows is a comical rendition of Dion’s hit “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” with UFC-themed lyrics that had viewers in stitches.
Grande’s parody touches on several recognizable aspects of the UFC, including “a woman in a sports bra with the tightest French braids and the flattest face,” likely referencing former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. She also mentions “an angry man with a cauliflower ear and a sideways nose,” which fans quickly identified as a nod to Mike Perry.
The singer doesn’t stop there, taking playful jabs at the commentary team of Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier, describing them as “dozens of commentators, all bald and in the shiniest of shirts.” She even alludes to the sport’s more intense moments, singing about “breaking of bones” and “knees to the balls.”
This unexpected crossover between pop culture and mixed martial arts has garnered significant attention on social media, with fans and fighters alike sharing the clip. The video serves as an unconventional yet effective promotion for UFC 308, scheduled for October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The upcoming event, headlined by a featherweight clash between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway, was already generating buzz among MMA enthusiasts. However, Grande’s SNL sketch has undoubtedly broadened its appeal to a wider audience.
As the video concludes, Grande-as-Dion dramatically declares, “That is the beauty of the UFC… The tension, the skill. I can bury you… But it’s all coming back to me, Nate,” before signing off with an invitation to tune in to UFC 308.
This clever marketing stunt not only showcases Grande’s versatility as a performer but also demonstrates the UFC’s growing mainstream appeal. By embracing humor and pop culture references, the organization continues to expand its reach beyond traditional sports audiences.
