A UFC competitor with a losing record in the promotion has found himself at the center of intense controversy after social media posts appeared to show support for extremist ideology, and his response to criticism has only intensified the backlash.
AJ Cunningham, who holds an 11-5 career record and is currently 0-2 in the UFC, recently posted content on Instagram that drew widespread condemnation for seemingly endorsing n*zi ideology and appearing to praise H**ler.
The Phoenix-born fighter, who trains alongside fellow UFC competitor Bryce Mitchell in Arkansas, is known for his outspoken nature and controversial opinions.
Rather than addressing the concerns or clarifying his position, Cunningham responded to his critics with an Instagram post detailing what he would do if confronted in person about his views—a response that included references to using weapons against those who would challenge him.
The post sparked further outrage across social media platforms, with combat sports fans and analysts expressing disbelief that the UFC would continue to employ someone openly espousing such views.
Prominent MMA analyst Luke Thomas weighed in on the situation on Twitter, stating: “Seems very weird and very bad UFC thinks open espousal of modern history’s most m*rderous ideology (and the real-world violence it explicitly advocates) isn’t disqualifying from doing business.”
The controversy has prompted questions about UFC’s standards for fighter conduct, with observers noting the irony that the organization has previously released athletes for far less serious infractions.
One commentator pointed out that the UFC “once cut a former world champion for tweeting a joke he heard in a sit-com.”
Critics have also highlighted Cunningham’s poor performance record within the promotion, questioning why someone with his track record would feel emboldened to make such inflammatory statements.
One observer noted his tendency to reference weapons rather than his own abilities, suggesting “he might already have CTE and probably is a cultist.”
Cunningham earned his UFC contract under unusual circumstances—accepting a short-notice bout at a higher weight class after failing to secure a deal through Dana White’s Contender Series. His promotional debut in March 2024 ended in a TKO loss to Ludovit Klein, followed by a unanimous decision defeat to Su Young You earlier this year.
As of now, the UFC has not issued any statement regarding Cunningham’s posts or his future with the organization.
