Nick Ring, a contestant on Spike's TV's The Ultimate Fighter, has been wrapped in allegations that he is gay. Ring, who does have a different accent and tone, joked around one night on the show after a couple of his roommates insinuated he was "acting gay." With a mixed martial arts record of 10-0, who cares? Much of the speculation is slathered in homophobia, most likely being asked by homophobic young men who cannot imagine rolling around with another man in a fight.
At the end of the day can there be a gay man in the MMA? Of course! The idea that gay men would not be interested in mixed martial arts is just stupid. Being gay sure doesn't prevent someone from learning martial arts, conditioning and training to fight. After reading comments and all the speculation about Nick Ring, I have to wonder if the issue is really him, the potential gay, or the speculation that their tough reputation is in jeopardy if an MMA fighter is gay. Homosexuality has nothing to do with a person's ability to be an incredible fighter. Frankly, I think it would be a good thing if one of the UFC, WEC, or other mixed martial arts fighters was open about their sexuality, especially if it is a well-rounded, damn good fighter just to prove the stereotype wrong.
The rumors about Nick Ring only serve to perpetuate the stigma and ridiculous "sissy" stereotypes of gay men. Mixed martial arts is a complex sport where one wrong move can mean submission or getting rocked on the chin and knocked out. If a gay man is in the UFC then big deal. It is only an ignorant person who thinks that gay means weak and an inability to stand up and fight another man. It certainly does not mean that while he is fighting he is thinking about anything but fighting. An MMA fighter who is gay will still be an MMA fighter. It does not matter what orientation a person is once they enter the Octagon.
In the end, Nick Ring is a great example of a man who is comfortable with his sexuality, whatever his orientation. He jokes and doesn't care. He fights with heart, takes care of himself, and is undefeated. I'm sure we'll see him in the future, rumors or not. And, maybe one day, a fighter will also have the heart to come out. Until then, it's best to presume someone is straight, especially someone who can whoop your a$$.