Custom shorts are back in the UFC, and fight fans couldn’t be more thrilled. UFC stars like Jon Jones, Israel Adesanya, and Max Holloway are now strutting into the Octagon in shorts personalized to their unique styles. Since UFC 300, fans have been buzzing with excitement as fighters sport these custom designs, each reflecting personal flair, cultural roots, and personality.
This article ranks the best to worst UFC custom shorts, showcasing the fighters who turned their shorts into style statements and those that missed the mark.
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1. Jon Jones’ UFC 309 Custom Shorts – Majestic Lions for a Heavyweight King
Jon Jones’ custom shorts for UFC 309 were a clear standout. Designed for his highly anticipated fight against Stipe Miocic, the black shorts featured two powerful red lion heads and his name etched in gold. The design went beyond aesthetics, including the meaningful “Phillippians 4:13” verse from the Bible, a nod to a tattoo on Jones’ chest that symbolizes his strength and faith.
These shorts are both fierce and regal, embodying Jones’ lionhearted fighting style. Social media lit up when these shorts were revealed, with fans celebrating their standout design and the personal touches that represent Jones’ journey.
First look at Jon Jones’ custom shorts #UFC #MMA #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/u4t9MldjYx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 7, 2024
2. Israel Adesanya’s Lightning Design at UFC 305 – Striking and Bold
Israel Adesanya’s custom shorts for UFC 305 were nothing short of electrifying. Against Dricus Du Plessis, Adesanya wore sleek black shorts accented with a gold lightning design that complemented his charismatic fighting style. The golden pattern represented power and agility, blending perfectly with the champion’s gold gloves.
Fans quickly embraced the shorts, admiring how Adesanya’s name written in white added depth to the design. The lightning bolt pattern captured the attention of fans worldwide, with many agreeing that the shorts perfectly matched Adesanya’s intense energy in the cage.
Israel Adesanya reacts to his #UFC305 custom shorts ⚡️
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) August 14, 2024
3. Ilia Topuria’s Spanish Pride at UFC 308 – ‘El Matador’ Charges In
Ilia Topuria showcased his Spanish roots with custom red shorts that became an instant fan favorite at UFC 308. Known as “El Matador,” Topuria opted for shorts that embraced Spain’s tradition of bullfighting, featuring a golden bull charging across a vibrant red background. His name appeared in gold lettering, further enhancing the shorts’ bold look.
These shorts were more than a fashion statement. They celebrated Topuria’s Spanish identity and served as a symbol of national pride, especially poignant as he faced Max Holloway and emerged victorious.
El Matador is HERE @TopuriaIlia representing Spain and Georgia when he fights at #UFC308
Get your own pair: https://t.co/7XXqkv29L2 pic.twitter.com/GAqyMzuTPs
— UFC (@ufc) October 22, 2024
4. Alex Pereira’s Tribal Colors at UFC 300 – Honoring Pataxo Heritage
Alex Pereira’s custom shorts debuted at UFC 300 with vibrant patterns inspired by his Pataxo tribe. The colorful design included a mix of reds, blues, greens, and yellows on a black background, each color representing different aspects of his heritage.
While some fans felt the design was a bit busy, Pereira’s commitment to his roots resonated with many, particularly those who admired the cultural homage. “Poatan” continues to honor his tribe in every fight, and these shorts were a testament to that pride and legacy.
First look at Alex Pereira in his custom shorts ahead of #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/1NqYozdCbW
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 10, 2024
5. Max Holloway’s Floral Fusion at UFC 300 – Calming Yet Fierce
Max Holloway’s floral shorts at UFC 300 brought a fresh aesthetic to the Octagon. His white compression shorts, adorned with red and blue flowers, contrasted with Justin Gaethje’s black and red gear. Holloway’s design projected a peaceful vibe that balanced well with his calm, controlled fighting style.
The shorts, however, were not without flaws. Holloway’s name wasn’t clearly highlighted, which some fans noted as a missed opportunity. Nonetheless, the floral pattern captured Holloway’s Hawaiian roots and showcased his laid-back personality.
Max Holloway in his custom floral shorts pic.twitter.com/m9NUE5rgbM
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) April 10, 2024
Top 5 Worst UFC Custom Shorts
While some custom shorts won fans over, others didn’t quite hit the mark. Here are the five least popular UFC custom shorts that fell short in terms of design and personalization.
1. Ian Garry’s UFC 303 Purple Shorts – Lacking Character
Ian Garry’s custom shorts for UFC 303 stood out for the wrong reasons. Unlike the other fighters who embraced personalized designs, Garry’s shorts were plain purple with minimal decoration. His name didn’t appear on the shorts, leaving them looking unfinished and generic.
Although the purple was unique, it lacked the character and personality fans expected. With no distinct elements, Garry’s shorts missed an opportunity to make a lasting impression.
Ian Machado Garry will be wearing purple shorts against Michael ‘Venom’ Page at #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/BXW3HshYG7
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) June 26, 2024
2. Paddy Pimblett’s UFC 304 Orange Shorts – Inspiration, But No Execution
Paddy Pimblett requested custom orange shorts inspired by MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba. However, the design felt too plain, with no specific features to connect it to Pimblett’s style. While fans were eager to see this new look, the shorts failed to resonate due to their lack of personalization.
Despite the enthusiasm Pimblett showed on social media, fans felt the shorts were a missed chance to make a statement in the Octagon.
3. Justin Gaethje’s UFC 300 Black-and-Red Shorts – Underwhelming Design
Justin Gaethje’s shorts at UFC 300 didn’t deliver the excitement fans expected. The black and red full-sized shorts featured an American flag background with gray elements, but they lacked the intricate details that might have enhanced the design.
Gaethje’s name in red lettering wasn’t particularly striking, and many fans felt the shorts didn’t match the energy of his intense fighting style. A bit more personalization would have gone a long way in making these shorts memorable.
Justin Gaethje is happy with his USA themed fight shorts for #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/bh0m2AbZrr
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 9, 2024
4. Dustin Poirier’s Floral Shorts at UFC 302 – Too Much Going On
Dustin Poirier’s custom shorts at UFC 302 were another attempt at floral patterns, but this time with a black background. The shorts felt a bit overcrowded with bright floral designs, and some fans noted they distracted from Poirier’s performance rather than enhancing it.
While Poirier’s shorts had personality, the excessive floral prints didn’t quite mesh well in the Octagon setting. Despite the effort, the design fell short in terms of visual impact.
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5. Bryce Mitchell’s Camo Shorts – Personal, But Polarizing
Bryce Mitchell’s camo shorts were meaningful to him, representing his love for hunting and his Arkansas roots. However, the camo design didn’t resonate well with the broader audience. Collaborating with Real Tree, Venum created a look that felt more suited to outdoor sports than the UFC cage.
Though Mitchell’s fans appreciated his pride in his background, the shorts failed to excite UFC fans at large. They appreciated his sentiment but felt the design didn’t translate well in a fighting environment.
Name the only fiters in history to get custom shorts from the UFC pic.twitter.com/fBGsEfs0WP
— Bryce Mitchell (@ThugnastyMMA) September 20, 2023
FAQ Section
Q1: What are the best custom shorts in UFC history?
Jon Jones’ UFC 309 shorts are widely regarded as the best, featuring lions and a personal Bible verse for a powerful look.
Q2: Why did some custom shorts receive criticism?
Some UFC custom shorts, like those of Ian Garry and Paddy Pimblett, were criticized for being too plain or lacking personalization, which disappointed fans looking for more impactful designs.
Q3: How did Alex Pereira’s shorts reflect his heritage?
Pereira’s UFC 300 shorts included colors and patterns symbolizing his Pataxo tribe, showcasing his Brazilian roots and cultural pride.
Q4: What inspired Bryce Mitchell’s camo UFC shorts?
Mitchell’s shorts were inspired by his love of hunting and his Arkansas background, designed in collaboration with Real Tree for a camouflage pattern.
Q5: What makes Jon Jones’ UFC 309 shorts unique?
Jon Jones’ shorts stand out due to the lion motifs and personal Bible verse, which reflect his fighting spirit and personal faith.
