Mailbag: Which UFC fighters would make the best Odyssey cast?

A recent MMA mailbag explored a lighthearted hypothetical: which current UFC fighters would best fill the roles of characters from Homer's *The Odyssey*, particularly following Christopher Nolan's recent film adaptation of the classic epic. The feature assigned 11 primary characters to fighters based on personality fit and fighting style. Alexander Volkanovski was selected as Odysseus, the grizzled veteran and strategic leader; Alexa Grasso as Penelope, valued for her fight IQ and planning; and Daniel Cormier as the loyalist Eumaeus. Michael Chandler was cast as Eurylochus, the undermining second-in-command, while Conor McGregor drew the role of Antinous, the villainous suitor—a casting the writer noted would make for entertaining viewing if Volkanovski "smoked" him in the narrative. Kayla Harrison was chosen as Athena, goddess of war and advocate, citing her skill at promoting others. Other assignments included Ronda Rousey as Circe, Gina Carano as Calypso, Justin Gaethje as Menelaus, and Shara Bullet as Polyphemus, each selected for thematic or comedic reasons. The mailbag also touched on Conor McGregor's contract situation, speculating that his recent focus on leaving the UFC may stem from awareness of lucrative opportunities outside the organization, particularly following Netflix's entry into MMA content.