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.

* * * *

R.I.P. Tom Petty

Man. Tom Petty is one of my all time favorites. Really sad that he is gone. I sang a song for George Michael, so you bet your ass ima sing for Tom Petty. #tompetty #learningtofly

A post shared by Fitch S.M.A.S.H. LLC (@fitch_smash) on Oct 3, 2017 at 5:41am PDT

The man

A post shared by natediaz209 (@natediaz209) on Oct 2, 2017 at 3:04pm PDT

Had the opportunity a few years ago to see this man live on the beaches of Alabama with some of the closest friends I know. What an amazing experience. RIP Tom. #freefallin #learningtofly

A post shared by Chase Sherman (@chase_sherman_ufc) on Oct 2, 2017 at 3:48pm PDT

#tompetty #freefalling

A post shared by Tyler "Melee" Minton (@themeleeway) on Oct 2, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Tom Petty. “Won’t back down” has been my walkout song since my first Anderson fight. The song still gives me the chills every time I hear it. #TomPetty Edit. Iam now hearing that he hasn’t passed and is on life support. Tom, Won’t back down!! Thoughts and prayer are with him.

A post shared by Chris Weidman (@chrisweidmanufc) on Oct 2, 2017 at 7:38pm PDT

Weekly eats

Eat clean. ????

A post shared by Rolando Gabriel Dy (@dyincredibleufc) on Oct 3, 2017 at 6:07am PDT

Fight food! I think this guy might win! #Bellyrub #bigcountrynation #bcnation

A post shared by Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) on Sep 30, 2017 at 3:23pm PDT

Finished product! #ChefBigTicket

A post shared by Walt Harris (@thebigticket205) on Oct 1, 2017 at 1:19pm PDT

#mood

A post shared by Brandon Vera (@brandonthetruthvera) on Oct 1, 2017 at 9:01pm PDT

First steaks from my Utah archery elk from September! Holy shit!! So tender and unbelievable flavor! Honestly better than beef, not kidding. ??????????????#elk #lean #protein #foodporn #ieatelk #thankful #traeger

A post shared by Chadmendes (@chadmendes) on Oct 2, 2017 at 8:49pm PDT

Feeling a little under the weather…pancakes cure just about everything #SyrupStache #FlapjackPharmacy

A post shared by Patrick Durkin Cummins (@officialdurkin) on Oct 4, 2017 at 7:50am PDT