Known as “The Monkey King” among MMA fans, Jordan Leavitt is a 27-year-old American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He had been active in the sport since 2017 with a record of 11 wins out of 13 matches.
View this post on Instagram
Out of Leavitt’s 11 wins, two of these are by knockout. He had two losses, as well, one by submission and another one by decision. But his biggest achievement was when he defeated Matt Wiman for the ninth time on December 6, 2020. What made the fight truly remarkable is he knocked Wiman out in just 22 seconds — making it one of the most devastating knockouts in contemporary history.
But false rumors about an athlete’s sexuality are nothing new and “The Monkey King” was no exception to this. Rumors about his sexuality started to make buzz online. So? Are the rumors true? Is Jordan Leavitt gay?
VOTE: What is Jordan Leavitt’s Sexuality?
Jordan Leavitt Gay Rumors — How It Started
Jordan had this weird habit of twerking to celebrate a successful fight. Fans love it when he throws the crowd a “butt jiggle” to celebrate his victory. But this habit also leads fans to assume his sexuality. This probably started all the gay rumors about the MMA fighter. He even shared an anecdote about some fans congratulating him on being an out-gay boxer.
Because of my after-fight celebration – the split and the twerk – it was more of a jiggle, a butt jiggle. I wouldn’t say it was a twerk per se. You know, initially, I had a huge giant wave, like ‘you’re the first openly gay fighter!’, and I was like ‘okay cool I guess. I mean I’m not open.’”
Jordan Leavitt told MMA Uncensored
The MMA fighter also shared that he started to get messages from men who were trying to hit on him right after he was rumored to be gay. He even received male nudes.
So I got a lot of creepy posts about that. You know, pictures of certain parts of the male anatomy that I have never gotten before. All from a split and twerk. That’s all you have to do. So, if you’re looking for a man looking for a man, that’s all you gotta do, I guess.”
the MMA fighter joked about the incident
View this post on Instagram
Leavitt, however, clarified that he doesn’t identify himself as gay. As a matter of fact, there were no openly gay UFC fighters. Fans of the sport weren’t really supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, mixed martial artist Jeff Molina received a backlash on social media when he was spotted wearing a UFC kit supporting Pride.
For all the homophobic dudes upset by me repping pride month on my fight kit, y’all some fruit cups.”
Molina tweeted
Although Jordan Leavitt had been clear about not being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, he expressed the urge to see a change in the MMA culture. He wished for the sport to provide an environment where everyone, no matter what their sexuality is, is welcome.
One day there will be an openly gay, male UFC fighter. Wouldn’t that be something? I get a lot of attention and hate for being ‘fruity.’ I wonder how he’ll handle it. Honestly though, a gay man headlining and UFC Card at the 49ers stadium in San Francisco. It’ll happen. What do y’all think? When do you think it’ll happen?”
the mixed martial artist wrote on Instagram
Jordan Leavitt’s Relationship
Leavitt has been married to his wife, Ashley, since 2019. They had a daughter named Josephine.
What’s funny is, Ashley knew nothing about the MMA world when they started dating. She had never heard of Floyd Mayweather or Mike Tyson.
I had to tell her, ‘I do this,’ and she’s like, ‘Oh, is it serious?’ And she just took my word for it. She said if you think it’s important and you think you’ve got it, I’ll support you. And it was so matter-of-factly. She said, ‘Up until we have kids, we’ll have to make sure I can work and then you can work part-time, and you’ll figure it out.’ And that was that.”
Leavitt told UFC
I am extremely fortunate to have someone like my wife. Dating stinks, but I met one individual who didn’t think it was cool when I told her I was a fighter.”
the MMA fighter added
View this post on Instagram
Is Jordan Leavitt Gay?
No, the mixed martial artist does not identify himself as gay. He had always been clear about his sexuality. He was, in fact, happily married to his wife of three years and they were raising a beautiful daughter together. But even though Jordan Leavitt is straight, he has always expressed his support for the LGBTQ+ community. He once said he wanted to see a change in the MMA culture where every sexuality is welcome to join.