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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Animals of Instagram

Real Friends

A post shared by Joseph Benavidez (@joejitsu) on Dec 3, 2017 at 3:59pm PST

It's little Pi's first birthday today so to celebrate we got her a family size pie for dinner.

A post shared by 'Razor' Rob Wilkinson (@razorrobwilkinson) on Dec 5, 2017 at 12:44am PST

Weekly eats

Gracias a la cevicheria MI BARRUNTO por este detalle !" Bienvenido bandenay UFC " … muy feliz de estar en mi PERU ??

A post shared by Humberto Bandenay (@humbertobandenay) on Dec 4, 2017 at 10:26am PST

@briechandler set us up with an awesome #shabushabu lunch so you know I had to pull a @nusr_et and get that #ribeye trimmed up. #saltbae #saltlife #salt @pullinstagram @pullincalifornia

A post shared by Michael Chandler (@mikechandlermma) on Dec 3, 2017 at 4:15pm PST

Lunch is Served! #lockhartandleith

A post shared by George Lockhart (@lockloadedmma) on Dec 7, 2017 at 2:54pm PST

Feeling like myself and getting caught up on my rent payments (Rent = pies… or equivalent baked goods) #piemaking #bakingislife #smorespie #illbeinthekitchen #oronthemats

A post shared by DeAnna Bennett (@deannadbennett) on Dec 7, 2017 at 7:57pm PST

Changing it up! Hot wings with @ricosproducts nacho cheese! Sooooooo good who needs ranch? #bellyrubapprove

A post shared by Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) on Dec 7, 2017 at 9:07pm PST

Weddings, anniversaries, engagements

Today, Dec 4th, marks the day when I first met @sarah.filush.camacho in 2009. I met her casually through @joan_awa as they were coming down the escalator of The Plaza in Tumon, Guam. I remember that day like it was yesterday… Curly hair, brown top, jeans, slippers, beautiful eyes, and a gorgeous smile! 6 years later the same day I asked her to spend the rest of our lives together! Many more #Sasacrank #Adventures to come with you and our growing little family. I love you! ??@myonghong (lania I got the ring size wrong!??)

A post shared by Frank "The Crank" Camacho (@frankthecrank) on Dec 3, 2017 at 11:05pm PST

Happy 8th Anniversary! I love you babe

A post shared by Mark Hominick (@markhominick) on Dec 5, 2017 at 5:14am PST

Two bands one love ?? thanks @embrbands for our new rings with our favorite colors lining the inside ???? #teamrocky #teamtiny #ufc #wmma #love #equality #woodgrain @teciatorres

A post shared by Raquel Pennington (@raquel_pennington) on Dec 5, 2017 at 6:59pm PST

#anewelladventurebegins

A post shared by Nick Newell (@notoriousnewell) on Dec 5, 2017 at 7:44pm PST

#throwbackthursday today is also my wife the @duchessofroufus and I’s 12th Wedding Anniversary. She has been my best friend, play mate, team mate and an amazing mother to our daughter. She lets me be me and always has encouraged me to follow my passion. Here’s to many more years of Love, Fun and Adventure! “Hey , my love, you came to me like wine comes to this mouth Grown tired of water all the time You quench my heart and you quench my mind Celebrate we will Because life is short but sweet for certain.” #davematthewsband

A post shared by Duke Roufus (@dukeroufus) on Dec 7, 2017 at 8:57am PST

.I want To take the time to say thanks to this beautiful woman for supporting me through training camps and taking care of Our precious Son while I'm in Canada preparing for battle , it's been a long 5 weeks away from home and family and can't wait to come back and hugs you both tight ! God bless you love and thanks to your Mom who came from Russia to help ??

A post shared by Nordine taleb (@tnt__mma) on Dec 9, 2017 at 8:40am PST