The article humorously compares MMA fighters and their roles in 2025 to Thanksgiving dishes, highlighting Ilia Topuria as the turkey, Alex Pereira as mashed potatoes, and others, using food analogies to describe their significance and performance in the MMA world.
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is a beloved holiday, a time for family, friends, and, of course, food. We celebrate by indulging in a ridiculous amount of delicious dishes. And football. Can’t forget that.
The Thanksgiving dinner is the star of the show. Plates overflow with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberries. It’s a carb lover’s paradise, each plate a tribute to gratitude, piled high with a bit of everything.
This got me thinking—Thanksgiving dinner is a lot like the MMA world. There’s a big, showy centerpiece, beloved sides, and decadent desserts. So, who makes up the MMA Thanksgiving plate in 2025? Let’s dive in.
The turkey is the centerpiece, synonymous with Thanksgiving. Yet, ironically, it’s not always the favorite. People debate whether to deep-fry or roast, and some even opt for a turducken. But, without it, the table feels incomplete.
Enter Ilia Topuria in 2025. The MMA world buzzes about “El Matador,” from potential fights to title wins. Despite all the chatter, he’s not in the top 10 fighters of the year. He’s like the turkey—good, but more about presence than substance.
Mashed potatoes, though, are universally loved. They’re the people’s champ, just like Alex Pereira. Sure, he faced challenges, but he bounced back spectacularly, setting up a fight with Jon Jones. Even with lumps, mashed potatoes are adored.
Now, sweet potatoes bring a chaotic energy to the table, much like Jiri Prochazka. Flashy and unpredictable, they can be both a hit and a miss. But when they’re good, they’re a delight. Ask Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. about Jiri’s flair.
Stuffing is the workhorse, a staple at any Thanksgiving dinner. Merab Dvalishvili and Alexandre Pantoja embody this role. Respected and reliable, they focus on building legacies in their divisions, much like the hearty stuffing we all love.
Vegetables like Brussels sprouts and green bean casserole add necessary balance. They’re not everyone’s favorite but undeniably essential. Valentina Shevchenko is the leafy greens of MMA—good and necessary, but not always the star attraction.
Mac & cheese is a crowd-pleaser, but it can be overdone. Ian Machado Garry is like this dish—talented, yet sometimes trying too hard. When it hits the mark, it’s fantastic, but too much can be overwhelming.
Cranberry sauce is divisive, loved or hated. Tom Aspinall is this year’s cranberry sauce. Controversy surrounded him, yet those with refined tastes know his value, much like the tangy sauce that brightens the meal.
Finally, dessert is the highlight, with pies taking center stage. Pumpkin, pecan, and apple pies represent fighters like Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Reinier de Ridder, and Carlos Prates. Each brings something unique and satisfying, just like the perfect end to a Thanksgiving feast.
So, there you have it—MMA in 2025 through the lens of Thanksgiving. Did I miss some dishes? Probably. But these are the main players. Feel free to share your thoughts on which fighter matches your favorite dish.
Thanks for indulging in this culinary comparison. Happy Thanksgiving!