The world of combat sports has long been a breeding ground for unconventional beliefs, and the flat Earth theory has found several vocal proponents within its ranks. Former world champion boxer Carl Froch is the latest high-profile athlete to express skepticism about the widely accepted scientific consensus that the Earth is a sphere. Froch joins a growing list of UFC stars, including Bryce Mitchell, BJ Penn and Kron Gracie, who have publicly supported flat Earth theories.
Carl Froch’s Flat Earth Beliefs
In a recent interview, Carl Froch revealed his belief that all images of Earth from space are “CGI” (computer-generated images) and questioned humanity’s ability to leave Earth’s atmosphere. The former super middleweight champion stated:
“I think it’s an enclosed system, right, and I don’t think we can get out of it.”
Froch also leaned on religious texts to support his views, noting:
“God separated the waters and the heavens using the firmament dome, that’s what it says in the Bible.”
His skepticism extends to space travel, with the boxer questioning why humans haven’t returned to the Moon in over 50 years. He suggested that previous lunar landings might not have happened at all, saying:
“At the minute we can’t go back to [the Moon] if you think we’ve already been there, which I’m not so sure just based on evidence and a bit of reading I’ve done.”
Despite modern advancements in space technology, including multiple uncrewed missions to the Moon and Mars, Froch remains unconvinced. He expressed interest in seeing Earth from space himself but quickly dismissed the feasibility of such travel:
“I won’t hold my breath. I don’t think it’s happening in my lifetime.”
UFC Fighters and the Flat Earth Movement
Froch’s statements align with a number of MMA fighters who have expressed similar views. One of the most outspoken figures in this regard is UFC featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell. Known for his unfiltered opinions, Mitchell recently took to social media to call out Elon Musk, writing:
“u can fool the weak Christians, not me. u cant break the firmament. haha, loser. earth is flat. Jesus is king. and that chip u want in everyones head, shove it up ur a–.”
Mitchell has also questioned the existence of space and aliens, asserting:
“aliens r fake. so is space. so r u. u got all that money and im still richer.”
Beyond his online tirades, Mitchell has incorporated his flat Earth beliefs into his new podcast, where he argues that most Christians fail to recognize the Bible’s supposed flat Earth teachings. According to Mitchell:
“Most Christians aren’t [flat earthers], they don’t understand why the Bible is a flat Earth document because public education, which is owned by the devil, has pushed this globe theory.”
Another UFC fighter who has publicly embraced the flat Earth theory is Kron Gracie. The BJJ specialist has repeatedly questioned satellite technology, stating:
“Yeah, I want to know why, why, if the satellites do exist, right, I don’t believe in them. But if they did exist, how come I don’t get service when I’m in Hawaii, or when I’m in the mountains?”
Joe Rogan’s Take on Flat Earth Believers
Joe Rogan, a longtime MMA commentator and popular podcast host, has addressed the flat Earth theory numerous times, often expressing frustration with those who subscribe to it. Despite his friendships with Eddie Bravo and Kron Gracie—both of whom have entertained flat Earth ideas—Rogan remains adamant that the Earth is spherical.
In an older episode of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience,’ he tore into flat Earth believers, saying:
“These apes that are using these devices to say that the world is flat, you’re doing just what a massive disservice you’re doing to the very minds that have created the thing that you’re using to complain with this ridiculous idea.”
He continued:
“I know you want to believe the Earth is flat. I’m super sorry, but it appears to be round as f—. Just like every other planet we’ve ever looked at.”
Rogan has also connected the rise of flat Earth belief to religious fundamentalism, stating:
“A lot of the people behind this idea believe that it was created by God like on a pizza tray. Like this is part of a religious belief—that God made this flat Earth and the cosmos and it’s all about us.”
The Growing Influence of Flat Earth in Combat Sports
The flat Earth movement within combat sports seems to be gaining traction, with athletes from various disciplines voicing their skepticism about mainstream science. While figures like Joe Rogan and other commentators have been quick to push back against these claims, fighters like Bryce Mitchell and Carl Froch remain firm in their beliefs.
Froch’s comments add another layer to this ongoing debate, showing that the flat Earth theory has supporters beyond the UFC. Whether their beliefs stem from religious interpretations, distrust of government institutions, or simply a desire to challenge mainstream narratives, it’s clear that flat Earth theories continue to find a home in the world of combat sports.
