Former UFC Champions Oppose Transgender Male Participation in Women’s Sports

The debate over transgender athletes competing in women's sports has intensified in 2025, with prominent figures like Rob Gronkowski and former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate voicing strong opposition. Gronkowski emphasized that men's sports should remain for men and women's sports for women, a stance that aligns with recent U.S. governmental executive orders defining women’s sports for biological females and subsequent rule changes by major sports organizations. Tate echoed similar sentiments, stating she does not support transgender athletes competing against biological women, citing concerns over fairness and physical advantages, especially in combat sports where hormonal differences affect weight cutting and competition. She argued that sports are inherently non-inclusive and fairness should be preserved by maintaining separate categories based on biological sex. Both athletes' views reflect a broader cultural and legal shift as leagues and lawmakers revisit policies on transgender participation in female sports. Their comments have reignited discussions about safety, fairness, and the future of inclusion in competitive sports.