Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has drawn significant concern for his unusual cage-side behaviour during the main event of UFC 326 on Saturday night. The incident occurred before the highly anticipated rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira for the UFC's symbolic 'BMF' title, a bout that revisited their 2015 encounter.
Strange Mirroring Actions Caught on Camera
As Holloway was preparing in his corner, cameras captured Nacua jumping up and down energetically behind the fighter. The NFL star raised his arms and appeared to shout something directly in Holloway's direction, though the exact content of his words remains unclear. Observers noted that Nacua's actions seemed to mirror the MMA fighter's movements in a peculiar manner, adding to the strangeness of the scene.
Latest in a Series of Controversial Incidents
This cage-side display represents another example of the young star's concerning behaviour that has previously drawn criticism from both fans and teammates. Nacua, aged 24, has recently been in the headlines for multiple controversial actions that have raised questions about his judgment.
In December, during a live stream with popular content creator Adin Ross, Nacua performed a touchdown celebration that evoked an offensive Jewish cartoon stereotype. The receiver faced public backlash from figures including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and others. Nacua subsequently apologized, stating he had 'no idea' about the reference's implications.
Fines and Facility Access Denials
During that same stream appearance with Ross, Nacua openly criticized NFL game officials, then doubled down on his comments after a Week 16 game. The NFL responded by fining Nacua $25,000 for his remarks. Additionally, Nacua revealed he attempted to bring Ross into the Rams practice facility, but head coach Sean McVay denied the request.
Celebrity Links and Dating Denials
Nacua's off-field activities have extended to his personal life, where he has been publicly linked with numerous high-profile figures. These include actress Sydney Sweeney, fitness influencer Sara Saffari, comedian Hannah Stocking, WWE superstar Charlotte Flair, and social media personality Megan Eugenio.
However, in a recent podcast appearance, Nacua denied dating any of these individuals, explaining, 'I'm just trying to meet some new friends.' The 24-year-old added that he received advice from his quarterback, Matthew Stafford, about managing public attention. 'He definitely had some words for me,' Nacua shared. 'Like, maybe let's choose our next decisions wisely before making them.'
The combination of Nacua's UFC 326 behaviour, previous controversies, and public persona continues to fuel discussions about the young NFL star's conduct and its potential impact on his career and team dynamics.
