Miley Cyrus Gave a Rising Fighter a Golden Opportunity and He Threw It in the Trash

Miley Cyrus has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, but even she was caught in one of the most unexpected moments in UFC history. Back in 2021, Julian Marquez stepped into the infamous UFC Apex octagon and walked away not just with a win—but with a golden opportunity to shoot his shot at one of the biggest pop stars of all time. And for a moment, it actually seemed like it might happen. So why didn’t it?

The Unexpected UFC Callout That Shocked Fans

It was supposed to be just another fight night, but Julian Marquez had other plans. After securing a comeback victory against Maki Pitolo at UFC 258, Marquez did what no one expected—he grabbed the microphone and called out Miley Cyrus instead of another fighter. “I’ve been waiting 31 months to get on this damn mic,” Marquez said, before dropping a challenge that would send shockwaves through both the MMA and pop culture worlds. “Miley Cyrus, will you be my Valentine?” It was a bold move. After all, fighters usually use their post-fight interviews to call out rivals or set up future bouts. But Marquez had his eyes on something—or someone—far bigger.

Miley Cyrus Responds… And Puts the Ball in His Court

In a moment that no one saw coming, Miley Cyrus actually responded. Taking to Twitter, she threw down her own challenge: “Shave an MC into your chest hair, and I’m yours.”

Just like that, a simple post-fight interview turned into one of the most bizarre and talked-about celebrity interactions in recent UFC memory. Fans were immediately divided—some rooting for Marquez to go all-in on the stunt, while others rolled their eyes, dismissing it as a publicity move.

The Moment of Truth: Did Julian Marquez Step Up?

If there was ever a moment for Julian Marquez to prove his dedication, this was it. A little chest hair and a razor were all that stood between him and a potential date with one of music’s most rebellious icons. But instead of grabbing the clippers, Marquez made the fatal mistake of trying to turn the tables.

He responded to Cyrus with, “If you get a ‘Cuban Missile Crisis’ tattoo (his nickname), then I will shave an MC in my chest.”

That’s when everything started to fall apart.

Miley Walks Away and Fans Lose It

Miley Cyrus, a queen of unpredictability, never backed down from a challenge—until now. Rather than playing along, she simply moved on. There was no further response, no back-and-forth, no second chance.

And just like that, Marquez fumbled what could have been one of the wildest celebrity crossovers in UFC history.

Fans were ruthless. Social media exploded with reactions, dragging Marquez for “talking himself out of a date” with Miley Cyrus. “Dude, just shave the MC and call it a day,” one fan tweeted. Others pointed out that if a global superstar personally challenges you, you don’t negotiate—you do it.

Did Julian Marquez Miss His Shot at Celebrity Fame?

In the fight world, opportunities come and go, but very few fighters have a chance to cross over into mainstream celebrity culture.

Conor McGregor did it. Israel Adesanya did it. Even Jorge Masvidal found a way to make headlines outside of the cage. Julian Marquez? He had his golden ticket handed to him on a silver platter—and he let it slip away.

Would a shaved “MC” on his chest have secured a date with Miley? Maybe. Maybe not. But it definitely would have cemented him as a pop culture icon, if only for a moment. Instead, he played it cool, and in the world of social media and entertainment, cool doesn’t always win.

Miley Cyrus: The Queen of Public Stunts

To be fair, Miley Cyrus isn’t new to these kinds of high-profile interactions. She has mastered the art of viral moments, from twerking on Robin Thicke at the VMAs to her headline-grabbing relationships with Liam Hemsworth, Cody Simpson, and others. A little UFC callout? Light work.

But unlike others who have successfully played into the Miley mystique, Marquez failed to seize the moment. If nothing else, he could have shaved the MC, gotten the attention, and kept the joke alive. Instead, he tried to flip the game on the woman who practically wrote the rules of it.

Could There Ever Be a Second Chance?

Fast forward to today, and Miley Cyrus is still making headlines for her music and career moves. Julian Marquez? He’s still fighting, but his brief brush with celebrity glory is nothing more than a footnote in UFC history. Could he ever rekindle the spark?

Probably not. Miley Cyrus isn’t one to backtrack, and in a world where viral moments last seconds, you don’t get do-overs. But if Marquez has learned anything from this, it’s that when the moment presents itself, you take it—no questions asked.

One chest hair trim was all it would have taken. One.

What This Says About Pop Culture and Sports Crossovers

Marquez’s missed opportunity isn’t just about a failed celebrity date. It’s a reflection of how sports and pop culture have merged, creating new kinds of fame and influence. Athletes are no longer just athletes; they’re entertainers, influencers, and media personalities. The ones who understand this, like Conor McGregor or Jake Paul, capitalize on every viral moment.

The problem? Marquez didn’t realize he was in a once-in-a-lifetime moment until it was too late. He had the chance to go beyond just being a fighter and step into mainstream media in a way few UFC athletes ever do. But instead of leaning into the spectacle, he tried to play the game on his own terms, forgetting that the rules had already been set.

Miley’s Power Move: Why She Never Looked Back

Another reason Marquez lost this battle? Miley never begged for attention.

Cyrus has built an empire on her own rebellious and unpredictable energy. Unlike reality TV stars or social media influencers who thrive on dragging out drama, she knew exactly when to walk away. When Marquez failed to meet her challenge, she didn’t bother arguing or negotiating—she just moved on.

And in the world of Hollywood and pop culture, that’s the ultimate power move.

The Greatest Fumble in UFC Pop Culture History?

Julian Marquez had a chance to secure one of the most random, hilarious, and unforgettable UFC celebrity moments ever—but he blew it. He had Miley Cyrus’s attention, the internet on his side, and a simple task in front of him. Yet, instead of taking the moment for what it was, he overthought it and let it slip away.

Now, Marquez is still grinding in the fight world, while Miley continues to dominate the music industry with her no-nonsense attitude. One thing’s for sure: next time a pop star throws a challenge your way, don’t think—just do it.

Because in this era, the boldest move is the only move.