The upcoming release of Pokémon Champions on April 8th has sparked an interesting discussion among mixed martial arts enthusiasts: who among UFC fighters is the most dedicated Pokémon fan, and can anyone surpass Ronda Rousey’s well-known passion for the franchise?
Pokémon Champions
Pokémon Champions, a new combat-centric game, is set to launch on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 8, 2026. Adopting a free-to-start model akin to Pokémon Unite, the game emphasizes fundamental mechanics such as elemental types, unique Abilities, and constructing teams of six Pokémon for both Single and Double Battles. It will offer various online modes including ranked, casual, and private matches, complemented by optional purchasable bundles and a premium battle pass. An update scheduled for launch day will enhance the game’s graphics specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2, and Pokémon Champions is poised to serve as the primary platform for official Video Game Championships events throughout 2026.
This title is designed as a strategic and competitive battling game, utilizing the classic turn-based Pokémon battle system. Players will form teams and issue commands in Single and Double Battles, leveraging types, Abilities, and moves, much like in the core RPG series. The primary emphasis is on online player-versus-player competition, featuring Ranked, Casual, and Private Battles, differentiating it from arcade-style one-on-one fighting games such as Street Fighter or Tekken. Participants will acquire or import Pokémon, customize their stats and move sets using in-game currency, and then compete against others on a leaderboard, including formats that align with the official Pokémon World Championships.
Ronda Rousey’s Lifelong Fandom
Ronda Rousey’s connection to Pokémon is profound, extending far beyond casual interest, which is why many consider her the prime contender for the title of the UFC’s most devoted Pokémon enthusiast. During a 2015 Reddit AMA, she disclosed that in her teenage years, she moderated a Pokémon Stadium 2 forum on GameTalk using the username “mew182,” openly identifying as a “big-time Pokémon nerd.” Rousey has declared Mew as her favorite Pokémon and has even delved into complex hypothetical battle scenarios, such as discussing whether she’d prefer to confront a Mewtwo the size of Mew or 100 Mews the size of Mewtwo, opting for the single Mew-sized Mewtwo as the more strategic choice. Her engagement even includes humorous speculations about how her signature armbar technique would apply to Pokémon like Throh, known as the Judo Pokémon, illustrating a deep understanding and passion for the franchise’s specific moves, types, and characters that far exceeds typical fandom.
Brandon Moreno and the Collector Wave
Brandon Moreno, the former flyweight champion from Mexico, has emerged as a contemporary figure representing Pokémon within the MMA community, largely due to his extensive collection of cards and memorabilia. During various podcast appearances, Moreno has openly discussed his significant dedication to purchasing and exchanging Pokémon cards, showcasing himself as a serious collector in his time away from fighting. He dedicates his leisure to searching for rare cards and engaging in discussions about his favorite pieces, presenting a different aspect of fandom compared to Rousey: his passion lies more with the physical trading card game rather than online forum discussions.
Nevertheless, Rousey distinguishes herself. Her history includes moderating a Pokémon forum during her teenage years, using a Pokémon-inspired username, engaging in detailed discussions about specific creatures and hypothetical battles, and years later, she is still widely referred to as “Pokémon-obsessed.” While Moreno’s card collecting and media visibility position him as a prominent figure in the current era of Pokémon fandom within MMA, the profoundness and early online roots of Rousey’s devotion provide her with a more compelling historical argument for being considered the UFC’s most significant Pokémon fan. As Pokémon Champions prepares to introduce a new structure for competitive battling, the connection between the franchise and MMA culture is likely to strengthen further.