How political leaders use combat spectacles to symbolize national power and purpose

For both Roman gladiators and modern-day mixed martial arts participants, physical contests become moral dramas about sacrifice and human limits. That has led today’s fighters to right-wing politics.

By: Scott Atran, University of Michigan, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 17, 2026

Words: 1,203

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Scott Atran, University of Michigan

Throughout history, rulers and political movements have used public spectacles of combat to evoke courage, sacrifice, collective strength and national purpose. From Roman gladiator contests to modern mixed martial arts, combat spectacles have served not merely as entertainment but as public rituals through which people experience belonging to something larger than themselves.

When President Donald Trump proposed staging a UFC championship event on the White House …

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