With Pokémon Champions Announced, Who is the UFC’s Ultimate Poké-Fan?

The anticipation for 'Pokémon Champions,' set to launch on April 8, has reignited a lively discussion among fight enthusiasts: who truly stands as the ultimate Pokémon fanatic within the UFC, and can anyone surpass the well-known dedication of Ronda Rousey?

About 'Pokémon Champions'

Scheduled for release on April 8, 2026, 'Pokémon Champions' is an upcoming battle-centric game for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Adopting a free-to-start model akin to 'Pokémon Unite,' it will feature fundamental Pokémon battle mechanics, including types, abilities, and six-Pokémon teams for both Single and Double Battles. Players can engage in ranked, casual, and private online matches, with additional content available through optional paid bundles and a premium battle pass. A day-one update will optimize visuals for the Nintendo Switch 2, positioning 'Champions' as the primary platform for official Video Game Championship events in 2026.

This strategy-focused, competitive battling game utilizes the classic turn-based Pokémon system, allowing players to assemble teams and strategize commands. Its core emphasis lies on online player-versus-player competition across various battle formats, contrasting with traditional arcade fighting games. Players will be able to recruit or import Pokémon, customize their stats and moves using in-game currency, and compete on a global ladder, including modes integrated with the official Pokémon World Championships.

Ronda Rousey's Lifelong Dedication

Ronda Rousey's connection to the Pokémon universe is remarkably profound, making her a prime contender for the title of UFC's most dedicated Pokémon fan. During a 2015 Reddit AMA, she disclosed her past as a teenage moderator for a 'Pokémon Stadium 2' forum on GameTalk, where she used the handle 'mew182' and proudly identified as a 'big-time Pokémon nerd.' Her favorite Pokémon is Mew, and she has engaged in intricate discussions, such as choosing between battling a Mew-sized Mewtwo or 100 Mewtwo-sized Mews, deeming the former the more strategic opponent. Rousey's deep understanding extends to playfully considering how her signature armbar move would fare against Pokémon like Throh, known as the Judo Pokémon, illustrating an exceptional level of interaction with the franchise's mechanics and characters.

Brandon Moreno and the Collecting Craze

Conversely, former Mexican flyweight champion Brandon Moreno embodies the contemporary Pokémon enthusiast within MMA, primarily through his extensive collection of cards and memorabilia. Moreno has openly shared his passion for acquiring and trading Pokémon cards in various podcast interviews, establishing himself as a serious collector beyond his fighting career. His leisure time often involves searching for rare cards and discussing his prized possessions, which differentiates his fandom from Rousey's. Moreno represents the physical trading card game aspect of the franchise, rather than its online forum culture.

However, Rousey's involvement appears uniquely profound. Her teenage years as a Pokémon forum moderator, her use of a Pokémon-themed alias, her detailed discussions about specific creatures and theoretical battles, and her enduring reputation as 'Pokémon-obsessed' set her apart. While Moreno's card collecting and public visibility position him as the prominent Pokémon figure of the current era, Rousey's deep-rooted, early-internet fandom provides a more compelling historical argument for her as the UFC's ultimate Pokémon aficionado. As 'Pokémon Champions' prepares to revolutionize competitive battling, the synergy between the Pokémon franchise and MMA culture is poised for further expansion.