In a recent interview with Movie Deathblows, transgender MMA fighter Alana McLaughlin discussed the challenges she faces in booking her return to professional MMA. McLaughlin, who last competed in 2021, attributes her difficulty in securing another bout to the current climate of misinformation and moral panic surrounding transgender athletes.
McLaughlin expressed frustration with the widespread misconceptions about trans athletes’ advantages, citing the recent controversy at the Olympics that didn’t even involve a transgender competitor.
McLaughlin also addressed the political landscape within MMA, describing it as predominantly right-leaning. This ideological bent, she believes, has made it challenging to find training camps and gyms willing to work with her. McLaughlin recounted experiences of transphobia and political hostility in martial arts spaces, which have limited her options for preparation and competition.
“It’s not great, not great. I’ve been trying to get a fight, but with the landscape as it is right now, I’m not sure. Maybe the documentary can move the needle. But, looking at the outrage there was with the Olympics, which didn’t even involve a trans person, everyone was ready to go all in on a complete fabrication. There’s definitely a moral panic happening, and it’s impacting my ability to get fights.”
Director Marc Perez, who helmed the documentary “Unfightable” about McLaughlin’s journey, spoke about the difficulties in getting people to go on record about the topic, whether in support or opposition. He emphasized the importance of humanizing McLaughlin’s story and providing her with a platform to counter misinformation.
McLaughlin criticized the propagandistic nature of media coverage surrounding her fights, pointing out selective editing and false narratives pushed by certain outlets.
Despite the obstacles, McLaughlin hasn’t given up hope entirely. She suggested that the release of “Unfightable” might “move the needle” in terms of public perception and potentially open doors for her return to the cage. However, she acknowledges that the odds of securing another professional MMA fight in the current climate are “not great.”
Trans MMA Fighter Alana McLaughlin reveals she trained in the same gym as UFC’s Covington
In a surprising revelation from the interview about her documentary “Unfightable,” transgender MMA fighter Alana McLaughlin disclosed that she trained at the same gym as controversial UFC star Colby Covington. The film, directed by Marc Perez, offers an intimate look into McLaughlin’s journey in the world of mixed martial arts.
During an interview with Movie Deathblows, McLaughlin shared her experience at MMA Masters, where she prepared for her professional debut. While she never directly interacted with Covington, she observed him from across the gym on several occasions.
McLaughlin’s presence at the same training facility as Covington, known for his outspoken and often polarizing persona, highlights the complex dynamics within the MMA community. The transgender athlete expressed her skepticism about whether Covington’s public image is genuine or an act, stating, “I don’t know or care if it’s just an act. If you’re going to represent yourself as the racist fighter, I’m going to take you at your word.”
While Covington is often outspoken we found no evidence on him speaking out against McLaughlin but he did weigh in on another trans inclusion controversy.
Colby Covington didn’t hold back when discussing USA Boxing’s recent decision to allow transgender women to compete against cisgender women.
In the interview, Covington decried the new policy, stating, “It’s despicable. Biological men shouldn’t be allowed to compete in women’s sports. Doesn’t matter what their hormone levels or pronouns are, they’re still biological men.”
The documentary also explores the challenges McLaughlin faced in finding a welcoming training environment. She noted the predominantly right-leaning politics in MMA spaces, which made it difficult for her to find acceptance as a transgender athlete.
Director Marc Perez aimed to humanize McLaughlin’s story while addressing the misinformation and controversy surrounding transgender athletes in combat sports. The film includes perspectives from various figures in the MMA world, including critics like Jake Shields, and gives McLaughlin the opportunity to respond to the arguments against her participation in women’s MMA.
“Unfightable” will have a one-week run in New York from Sept. 13 at the Village East Theater, followed by a week-long run in Los Angeles at Laemmle Noho 7. Movie will then move on to streaming on Fuse.
