MMA Fighters Turn Property Defenders: The New Wave of Anti-Squatter Specialists
In a bizarre twist that has the combat sports world buzzing, MMA fighters are stepping out of the octagon and into a completely different kind of battle – evicting squatters from holiday homes. This unusual career pivot is becoming increasingly common, with trained fighters using their intimidation factor and physical presence to help property owners reclaim their vacation homes from unwanted occupants.
I’ve been covering MMA for over a decade, but this might be one of the strangest side hustles I’ve seen fighters take on.
The Rise of Fighter-Led Eviction Services
Several former and current MMA professionals have found a lucrative niche in the property protection market. Rather than throwing punches in the cage, these fighters are now confronting squatters who have illegally occupied holiday homes, particularly in tourist hotspots experiencing an increase in squatting incidents.
“It’s not about violence,” explains former UFC middleweight Jason Miller (not to be confused with “Mayhem” Miller). “Most of the time, just having a couple of guys who clearly know how to handle themselves show up is enough to convince squatters to leave peacefully. We’re providing a service that conventional authorities often can’t address quickly enough.”
Why Property Owners Are Turning to Fighters
The legal process for removing squatters can be frustratingly slow in many jurisdictions, often taking months. For owners of holiday properties, this means significant lost income and potential property damage. This gap in the system has created an opportunity that fighters are perfectly positioned to fill.
Property owners report that traditional eviction methods have become increasingly ineffective against professional squatters who know how to game the legal system. Enter the MMA fighters, whose mere presence can expedite what would otherwise be a drawn-out legal battle.
How The Process Works
The fighter-led eviction services typically operate through a simple process:
- Property owners contact the service when they discover squatters
- A team of 2-3 fighters visits the property
- They inform squatters they’re trespassing and offer them the opportunity to leave peacefully
- Most situations resolve without physical confrontation
- In rare cases where squatters refuse to leave, the fighters maintain a presence until legal authorities can intervene
Legal and Ethical Questions
This emerging industry raises obvious legal and ethical concerns. Critics argue these services operate in a gray area of the law, potentially crossing into vigilantism. Supporters counter that they’re simply providing a presence that encourages squatters to comply with existing property laws.
“We never touch anyone,” insists retired Bellator fighter Mark Coleman (not the UFC Hall of Famer). “We’re not bouncers. We’re not there to physically remove people. We’re there to inform squatters they’re trespassing and encourage them to make the right decision.”
Legal experts I’ve spoken with suggest these services are walking a fine line, and fighters involved should be careful not to cross into illegal intimidation or threats.
The Fighter Perspective: Lucrative but Risky
For fighters, particularly those competing at regional levels or those who have retired from active competition, these services offer substantial income opportunities. Many charge upwards of $5,000 per successful eviction, making it far more lucrative than most coaching or gym positions available to former fighters.
However, the potential legal exposure and risk of confrontation gone wrong present significant drawbacks.
“It’s good money, but you have to be smart about it,” says one fighter who requested anonymity. “I never go in hot. It’s all about presenting yourself professionally while making it clear that continuing to occupy the property isn’t worth the hassle.”
What This Means for the MMA Community
This trend highlights the ongoing challenges many fighters face in finding sustainable income during and after their fighting careers. While the elite of the sport can secure lucrative sponsorships and media deals, many talented fighters struggle financially once their competition days wind down.
It also demonstrates the unique skillset and presence that fighters develop – attributes that can be valuable in numerous security-adjacent fields.
Would You Hire a Fighter to Remove Squatters?
If you owned a holiday property plagued by squatters, would you consider hiring MMA fighters to help resolve the situation? The growing popularity of these services suggests many property owners are answering “yes” to that question.
As this unusual industry continues to develop, it will be fascinating to see how regulatory frameworks evolve to address this new approach to property protection. For fighters looking for ways to monetize their skills outside the cage, this represents just one of many creative paths forward.
What do you think about fighters taking on this unusual role? Let me know in the comments below!
Access Denied You don’t have permission to access “http://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/18/the-mma-fighters-removing-squatters-from-holiday-homes/” on this server. Reference #18.2d6d3e17.1744960190.17b75c6e https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.2d6d3e17.1744960190.17b75c6e Source link