Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is drawing concern for his bizarre cage-side actions during the main event of UFC 326 on Saturday night.
Before the battle for the UFC’s symbolic ‘BMF’ title, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira duked it out in a rematch of a 2015 bout.
But as Holloway was loosening up in his corner, cameras caught Nacua jumping up and down behind the fighter as the NFL star raised his arms and appeared to say something in Holloway’s direction.
It’s not clear what Nacua was saying, but his actions to try and seemingly mirror the MMA fighter were strange nonetheless.
It’s another example of the young star’s concerning behavior which has drawn rebuke from fans and teammates.
Nacua has been in the headlines recently for his attempts to court celebrities as well for his controversy with referees and his use of a derogatory Jewish stereotype.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua got rowdy before UFC 326 on Saturday
It’s the latest in a series of bizarre behaviors from the 24-year-old NFL superstar
Back in December, Nacua was encouraged by streamer Adin Ross to perform a touchdown celebration which evoked an image of an offensive Jewish cartoon.
Nacua was publicly criticized by the likes of Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy among others. The receiver then apologized, saying he had ‘no idea’ about the reference.
In that same stream appearance with Ross, Nacua criticized NFL game officials – and then doubled down after a game in Week 16. The NFL then fined Nacua $25,000 for his words.
Nacua also revealed that he tried to bring Ross into the Rams practice facility, only to be denied by head coach Sean McVay.
In December, Nacua performed an offensive Jewish stereotype at the behest of Adin Ross (L)
As for his dating life, Nacua has been publicly linked with the likes of actress Sydney Sweeney, fitness influencer Sara Saffari, comedian Hannah Stocking, WWE superstar Charlotte Flair and social media star Megan Eugenio.
But in a recent podcast appearance, Nacua denied that he was dating any of them, saying, ‘I’m just trying to meet some new friends.’
The 24-year-old added that he got some advice from his quarterback, Matthew Stafford, to avoid unwanted attention.
‘He definitely had some words for me,’ Nacua said. ‘Like, maybe let’s choose our next decisions wisely before making them.’
