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Comedian Theo Von recently shared a rather unconventional origin story for his UFC fandom, tracing it back to his childhood experiences of watching impromptu confrontations in his apartment complex.
The 45-year-old Louisiana native, known for his podcast and comedy, has become a fixture at UFC events, often spotted in prime seats behind his friend Joe Rogan. At UFC 313 earlier this month, Von was present for all ten bouts, showcasing his dedication to the sport.
During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Von explained that his fascination with combat sports stems from limited entertainment options in his youth. According to the comedian, the most reliable source of action came from domestic disputes.
“When I was growing up you have to wait around your sh*tty apartment complex until somebody f*cking cheated on somebody,” Von explained. “And then the men or women would come out there and f*cking [confront each other], but it wasn’t sanctioned. It was like f*cking 30 seconds, right? And somebody always called somebody a [expletive] at the end of it if it was men or women.”
Von continued with his characteristic humor, “And I’d show up for that. I’d f*cking stay out there for that. So, of course, this is guaranteed. You don’t have to wait. And then maybe you’d get one person gets hit with a broomstick.”
The comedian has formed close relationships with several UFC fighters, particularly his fellow Louisianan Dustin Poirier, who has appeared on Von’s podcast. He’s also expressed admiration for Anthony “Lionheart” Smith, who is approaching retirement.
Von’s journey with UFC hasn’t been without humorous mishaps. Now sober after past recreational drug use, he once had a marijuana-induced confusion while watching UFC programming.
“I was smoking weed one time,” Von told UFC star Sean O’Malley. “I’m hashtagging f*cking UFC 160… So, the next day, I f*cking get up. And I’m like — I was texting Brendan Schaub, I’m like, ‘Dude, that fight was f*cking crazy.'”
The punchline? Von had accidentally tuned into UFC 160 — an event from 12 years ago — thinking it was live. He recalled a follower on Twitter who sympathized: “Awh, man, I’ve been high and got caught watching Fight Pass, too.”
For fans of Von’s appearances on podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience, his unfiltered and eccentric perspective on UFC fandom comes as no surprise, just another chapter in the comedian’s colorful relationship with the world of mixed martial arts.
