Cristiano Ronaldo's influence extends well beyond football, with the Portuguese superstar providing inspiration to athletes across different sports.
The latest example came in Las Vegas, where Brazilian mixed martial artist Douglas da Lapa credited the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as a major influence after securing his place in the UFC.
Cristiano Ronaldo waves Saudi flag scarf after missile alert delays Al-Nassr match in Riyadh
Da Lapa earned his contract after defeating fellow Brazilian middleweight Davi Cabral during Week 10 of Dana White's Contender Series on October 13.
The 27-year-old finished the fight in the third round, turning a competitive contest into a career-changing victory and extending his unbeaten professional record to seven wins.
However, his post-fight comments were about more than the performance that earned him a place in the world's leading mixed martial arts promotion.
Da Lapa explained that Ronaldo's approach to training, success and personal discipline had helped shape his own outlook as an athlete.
“He’s my biggest idol, but not just in the sport, but in life,” said Douglas da Lapa, paying tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo at the post-fight press conference following Week 10 of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
The Brazilian explained that he admires the footballer's determination to keep improving despite having already achieved extraordinary success throughout his career.
“I think a guy who is just obsessed with success, someone who trains so hard, someone who is just so zoned in and focused, someone who is 40 years old and still chasing a thousand goals, I always tell people he’s an inspiration not just to athletes and soccer players, but to people in life,” he added.
Ronaldo, who extended his Al-Nassr contract until 2027, has continued to compete at the highest level of professional football into his forties.
His commitment to maintaining his fitness and pursuing further milestones has helped establish his reputation as an athlete whose ambition has endured across different stages of his career.
For da Lapa, that example has a clear application inside the cage. Success depends on more than natural ability: consistency, preparation and the willingness to make sacrifices are also essential.
The Brazilian's comments suggested that Ronaldo's career represents the type of long-term commitment he hopes to emulate as he begins his UFC journey.
How Ronaldo's famous celebration followed da Lapa into the UFC
Da Lapa's admiration for Ronaldo was particularly visible immediately after his victory. Following the stoppage of Cabral, the Brazilian celebrated with the footballer's trademark “Siuuu” routine, recreating the leap, turn and landing that have become recognisable to sports fans worldwide.
The celebration provided a fitting conclusion to a night that represented a major milestone for the Rio de Janeiro native.
Da Lapa had travelled to Las Vegas for his first experience in the United States, with the opportunity to earn a UFC contract representing the culmination of years of work in combat sports.
His victory did not come without resistance. Cabral tested him during the opening exchanges, but da Lapa gradually increased the pressure as the contest developed.
He eventually dropped his opponent with a right hand in the third round before following up with strikes on the ground. The referee stepped in to stop the fight, handing da Lapa a technical knockout victory and securing the contract he had pursued.
The UFC's official recap confirmed that da Lapa was among four fighters awarded contracts during the final week of the 2026 season of Dana White's Contender Series.
His performance helped bring a successful conclusion to the programme, which gives emerging fighters the opportunity to impress UFC officials and earn a place on the promotion's roster.
Da Lapa had also used Ronaldo's celebration following an earlier victory over Emerson Richard in May 2026, when he was competing under the Legacy Fighting Alliance banner. That result was another step forward in an unbeaten run that ultimately brought him to the attention of Dana White and the UFC matchmakers.
Ronaldo's celebration has become a familiar sight across multiple sports. Footballers have replicated it after scoring goals, while mixed martial artists have also adopted the routine following significant victories. Its popularity reflects the Portuguese star's global reach and the way his personal brand has become part of sporting culture.
For da Lapa, though, the connection goes beyond copying a famous celebration. His comments focused on the mentality behind Ronaldo's success: maintaining ambition, preparing consistently and continuing to pursue goals even after reaching milestones that many athletes would consider the pinnacle of their careers.
The Brazilian now faces a new challenge. Earning a UFC contract is a significant achievement, but it is only the beginning of his next chapter.
Competing against an increasingly demanding field of middleweights will test his ability to develop, adapt and maintain the form that brought him seven consecutive victories.
Da Lapa described the opportunity as a dream come true, but he knows that the work must continue. If Ronaldo's example has taught him anything, it is that a major breakthrough should not mark the end of ambition. Instead, it can provide the motivation to pursue the next target.
His UFC contract gives him the platform to do exactly that. The “Siuuu” celebration marked the end of a memorable night in Las Vegas, while his admiration for Ronaldo offered a glimpse into the mindset he intends to carry into the next stage of his fighting career.