A few years ago, MMA hardly had a seat at the Hollywood table. Now? The UFC is coming to the Golden Globes as if it belongs there… On a night normally reserved for actors and directors, it felt like the UFC was delivering a message: we’re now a part of the entertainment world, whether you like it or not.

That’s exactly what it was. With the UFC officially entering the Paramount/CBS family in 2026, the promotional appearance was not coincidental. The ceremony was broadcast by CBS and also streamed via Paramount+. So they thought it would be a good idea to promote their latest investment on the grand stage. However, it was more strange than anything else since Mackenzie Dern and Brian Ortega, the two stars the UFC sent out for the promo, didn’t even do much on stage. They showed up, walked around awkwardly, and then left. But the internet didn’t need any speech, as the visuals were enough to convey the cringe in the cameo.

UFC stuns the world with Golden Globes cameo

On the red carpet, Brian Ortega and Mackenzie Dern seemed to be at ease in their new roles. It didn’t take long for the UFC to announce this major feat, as they wrote on their social media, “The Octagon 🤝 Hollywood @MackenzieDern and @BrianTCity represented the UFC at the Golden Globes tonight!”

Speaking to MTV, ‘T-City’ described the move as the UFC returning to its traditional identity.

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“We’ve always been entertainment,” Ortega said. “Seen more as more of a sport, but now we’re crossing over into entertainment. You see a lot of fighters, a lot of people now crossing into the film industry. And I think it’s a perfect marriage.”

Dern also embraced the fun side of it. She joked that fighters “make good action figures” and claimed that the arrangement will benefit both fighters and Paramount.

“I feel like they’re going to reach so many different people,” Dern continued. “So it’s really exciting, and I think big things are coming. I’m super happy to be a champion and be representing the Golden Globes with Brian. We’re like so excited.”

There are hundreds of ways Paramount could have promoted its partnership with the UFC. But this wasn’t it, and fans recognized it right away.

Weird, awkward, and why just why?

At first, many viewers simply didn’t understand what they were witnessing. “I don’t get it,” one user remarked about the bizarre Golden Globe appearance. With Paramount reportedly paying $7.7 billion for the UFC, it makes sense that the company would want to spotlight its stars.

However, the lack of context left audiences thoroughly confused. “What the f—k is Brian Ortega & Mackenzie Dern doing here 😭😭,” another user asked. A simple introduction from an announcer could have gone a long way in avoiding the awkwardness.

One viewer acknowledged how rare such missteps are for the promotion. “UFC doesn’t miss very often, but this one was odd,” the user wrote. The moment felt as random as Chris Pratt walking into the Octagon and immediately heading backstage—confusing without any explanation.

Another fan found the moment both uncomfortable and unintentionally funny. “Tried to choose specifically their two best-looking fighters. This was so hilariously awkward,” the user commented, raising the question of how non-UFC fans must have perceived it.

Those watching live were equally puzzled. “Watching live, it was one of the most random and unexplained things that happened, very awkward,” another user noted, suggesting the promotion should review the segment to avoid a repeat.

Some even likened it to a movie scene. “What in the f—king Hunger Games was that?” one user asked, referencing the film’s staged introductions of its competitors.

Others were far less verbose. “That was mad corny,” one fan summed up succinctly. Hopefully, no one is facing serious consequences over the misfire.

Clearly, having millions at their disposal doesn’t mean Paramount can’t slip up. With such a major sports property now under its umbrella, fans will hope this was a one-off misjudgment. What did you make of the promotional stunt?