The UFC has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its thrilling fights and larger-than-life personalities. With its unique blend of athleticism and entertainment, the UFC has truly mastered the art of captivating its audience. However, as with any successful organization, there are bound to be missteps along the way. The recent appearance of Mackenzie Dern and Brian Ortega at the 2026 Golden Globes is a prime example of the UFC’s promotional strategies going awry.
The incident in question occurred during the 2026 Golden Globes, where the UFC stars made a bizarre, wordless appearance on stage. The duo’s appearance left viewers scratching their heads, wondering what exactly was going on. The incident took place immediately after The Secret, a popular self-help book, was mentioned during the awards ceremony. Dern and Ortega’s appearance was meant to be a promotional stunt for the upcoming UFC event, but it ended up being the cringiest thing UFC fans saw that day.
The UFC has always been known for its over-the-top promotional strategies, from trash-talking press conferences to extravagant walkouts. These tactics have helped the organization gain a massive following and attract new fans. However, the UFC’s promotional team seemed to have missed the mark with Dern and Ortega’s Golden Globes cameo. The awkward and confusing appearance did not do justice to the UFC’s brand and left many fans disappointed.
One of the main reasons for the backlash was the lack of context for Dern and Ortega’s appearance. The duo appeared on stage without any introduction or explanation, leaving viewers wondering who they were and what they were doing there. This lack of context made the whole stunt seem out of place and disconnected from the rest of the event. It also did not help that Dern and Ortega did not say a single word during their appearance, making it even more awkward and cringeworthy.
Moreover, the timing of the appearance was also questionable. The Golden Globes is a prestigious event that celebrates the best in film and television. It is not the place for a promotional stunt for a violent sport like MMA. The contrast between the elegance of the Golden Globes and the rawness of the UFC was jarring and did not sit well with many viewers. It also did not help that Dern and Ortega’s appearance came right after The Secret was mentioned, making it seem like a desperate attempt to piggyback off the success of the book.
The UFC has always prided itself on being a sport that is in touch with its audience and the world around it. However, the Golden Globes cameo showed that the organization can also be out of touch at times. The promotional team failed to read the room and understand the tone of the event, resulting in a cringeworthy and awkward appearance that did not do justice to the UFC’s brand.
Despite the backlash, it is essential to remember that the UFC has had its fair share of successful promotional strategies. From the iconic “Bad Blood” promos to the recent “Embedded” series, the UFC has consistently found ways to engage and excite its audience. However, the Golden Globes cameo serves as a reminder that even the most successful organizations can make mistakes.
In conclusion, the UFC’s promotional strategies have played a significant role in its success and popularity. However, the recent appearance of Mackenzie Dern and Brian Ortega at the 2026 Golden Globes was a misstep that left many fans disappointed. The lack of context, timing, and tone of the appearance made it the cringiest thing UFC fans saw that day. Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that mistakes happen, and the UFC has proven time and again that it knows how to bounce back from them. Let’s hope that the organization learns from this incident and continues to entertain and inspire its fans in the future.
