Social media has become a significant part of the sporting landscape. But few, if any, professional sports match the level of interaction and personal access provided by MMA.

In an individual competition in which nearly every athlete is chasing the same goal of financial success and championship glory, it’s important for fighters to provide insight into their lives in order to connect with fans and gain followings.

Although the life of a fighter often can be mundane and repetitive, there still are moments of interest that take place outside the cage, ring or training room. Here are some of the most interesting of those occurrences from the past week.

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Veterans Day

We honor those who served – today and every day. Thank you. #VeteransDay

A post shared by ufc (@ufc) on Nov 11, 2017 at 7:51am PST

The #PFamiLy would like to thank and honor all of the Veterans who have bravely served our country. ???? #VeteransDay #marines #army #navy #airforce #coastguard #veterans

A post shared by ProFightLeague (@profightleague) on Nov 11, 2017 at 6:04am PST

Home of the free because of the BRAVE. Especially proud of these four men in uniform. Happy Veterans Day!

A post shared by Demetrious Johnson (@mightymouse125) on Nov 11, 2017 at 10:59am PST

Happy Veterans Day! I want to thank every brave man and woman that has served our great country and given me the chance to chase my dreams. #thankyou #forevergrateful #verteransday

A post shared by tjdillashaw (@tjdillashaw) on Nov 11, 2017 at 12:56pm PST

THANK YOU!!!! #veteransday

A post shared by Paige VanZant (@paigevanzantufc) on Nov 11, 2017 at 2:48pm PST

Animals of Instagram

These little guys are so funny! ?? enjoy some love from them before my sparring today ?? • • • Esses bichinhos são engraçados demais! ?? aproveitando esse carinho antes do sparring hj! Rs ?? #lovernotafighter #toocute #fofos

A post shared by Mackenzie Dern ???????? (@mackenziedern) on Nov 11, 2017 at 2:16pm PST

Irezumi Chan meets Jumanzi ! I think she’s hungry.

A post shared by Enson Inoue (@ensoninoue) on Nov 12, 2017 at 1:19am PST

Fun at the dog park with our babies ???????? Invicta Brawler Spaz & Mylah #SundayFunday #FamilyTime #PuppyKisses #MyLoves #ThePenningtons

A post shared by Tecia Torres (@teciatorres) on Nov 12, 2017 at 7:20pm PST

"The Champs" D'arcemus Maximus & Knucklez At Their Finest ???? #BulliesLife @DarceandKnuckleZ SnapJitsu™ #TonyFergusonMMA ??????????

A post shared by @TonyFergusonxt (@tonyfergusonxt) on Nov 13, 2017 at 1:29pm PST

Walking into Monday like ….. FEARLESS ?? #mondaymotivation #fearless #foundanotherreptile #snakeonmyshoulder ??

A post shared by VETA ARTEAGA ?? (@vetaarteaga) on Nov 13, 2017 at 12:33pm PST

Niestety przegralam z Mamutem ?? ?? a Wy w jaka gre byscie ze mna zagrali? ?? #ufc #best #friends #fun #shihtzu #lodz #poland #polishgirl #polishdog

A post shared by Karolina Kowalkiewicz (@karolinakowalkiewicz) on Nov 14, 2017 at 4:16am PST

Weekly eats

Sunday #cheatmeal on point ??#foodporn #diet #dessert #shake #cheesecake

A post shared by CB Dollaway (@cbdollaway) on Nov 12, 2017 at 9:32am PST

Breakfast of champions Oatmeal multigrain pancakes with chia seeds & coconut sheds. Herbed eggs in a basket with marinated mozzarella ball. All by @nessafit_meals #foodislife #foodisfuel #food #foodporn #athlete

A post shared by Albert Morales -The Warrior- (@warrior135ufc) on Nov 12, 2017 at 11:32am PST

Trolls taste good @themeleeway

A post shared by Max Holloway (@blessedmma) on Nov 12, 2017 at 3:29pm PST

Chicken burger with caramelized onions and peas. Bacon too ,Of course. A little mozzarella on top. #dinner

A post shared by Steve Bruno (@stevebruno23) on Nov 13, 2017 at 6:49pm PST