Why UFC fighters paint their toenails black like Cristiano Ronaldo (2024)

Why UFC fighters paint their toenails black like Cristiano Ronaldo (1)

Cristiano Ronaldo had his toenails painted black in a post on social media.

Cristiano Ronaldo has his toenails painted in a social media post and there's a very good reason behind it.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner shared a picture of himself in a sauna as he recovered from his excursions in Saudi Arabia.

He showed off his remarkable physique, with people on social media noticing something unusual about the snap.

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They turned their attention to his toenails, which were painted black.

One fan wrote: "Did I miss something or everyone else missed it. Did Ronaldo paint his toe nails?"

Another added: "All I know is athletes who do MMA usually add paint to get a protective layer or something."

Why UFC fighters paint their toenails black like Cristiano Ronaldo (3)

Image: Instagram

The protective layer is supposedly the reason behind the 39-year-old painting his toenails.

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According to a source via German outlet Bild, athletes paint their nails or cover it with a protective layer to prevent their nails from fungi and bacteria.

They said: "Many top athletes do this to protect their nails from fungi and bacteria when they are stuck in sweaty shoes for hours. Even Mike Tyson."

Ronaldo isn't the only top-level athlete who paints his toenails as former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski would also do the same during competition.

It's claimed it helps the fighters to prevent their toenails from cracking or splitting up.

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A layer of nail polish hardens the toenail, which minimises the danger of the nail being damaged in a fight.

Ronaldo is a consummate professional and goes above and beyond to maintain his impeccable health and physique.

The painting of his toenails is just another sign of his elite-mentality as he enjoys a prolific spell in Saudi Arabia.

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Earlier this week, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward scored two free-kicks inside 10 minutes for Al Nassr in their Saudi Pro League clash against Abha.

Ronaldo is currently the leading goalscorer in Saudi's top flight this season with 29 goals to his name.

Featured Image Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo/Instagram

Topics:Cristiano Ronaldo, UFC, MMA, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League

Why UFC fighters paint their toenails black like Cristiano Ronaldo (4)

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar

Why UFC fighters paint their toenails black like Cristiano Ronaldo (2024)

FAQs

Why UFC fighters paint their toenails black like Cristiano Ronaldo? ›

Following the example set by MMA fighters, it turns out that painting toenails black can help prevent the nails cracking or splitting during combat, making the choice a functional one rather than aesthetic.

Why do UFC fighters paint their toenails black? ›

They said: "Many top athletes do this to protect their nails from fungi and bacteria when they are stuck in sweaty shoes for hours. Even Mike Tyson." Ronaldo isn't the only top-level athlete who paints his toenails as former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski would also do the same during competition.

Why do people paint their toe nails black? ›

It's a way to show off an edgy side, can make a bold fashion statement, and help you stand out and show your individuality. Black nail polish isn't just for an alternative crowd. It's become popular within male pop culture.

Can you paint a black toenail? ›

Try to avoid painting over black toenails with polish, recommends Dr. Botek.

Why do Muay Thai fighters paint their nails? ›

The nail polish is said to help the fighters prevent their toenails from cracking or splitting during action as it hardens the nail itself which, in turn, minimises the danger of it being injured mid-fight. So, there you have it. Rhiannon Ingle is a Journalist at LADbible Group.

What does black toenails mean? ›

If your toenail turns black, it's most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.

Does black nail polish prevent toenail fungus? ›

Regular nail paint may look beautiful when used to hide diseased toenails, but doing so might exacerbate infections. It is wet and dark where fungus thrives. Fungus can flourish in environments created by nail polish. Antifungal nail polish can be covered with non-medicated nail polish.

What does black nail paint signify? ›

Black nail polish develops as a powerful symbol of defiance, defying traditional ideals of gender and beauty. Its vivid color represents a defiance of societal expectations and gender standards, expressing the rebellious spirit that is profoundly engrained in the LGBTQ+ movement.

What is the black nail theory? ›

The idea behind black nail theory is that a shiny black manicure can boost your confidence, which is not unlike the purported effects of a classic red mani. However, the goal of painting your nails black is not to attract attention from men. It's about doing it as an act of empowerment for yourself.

What do dark colored toenails mean? ›

Toe nail fungus can make your toe nails become yellow, reddish brown, green, or black. If left untreated, the infection will spread, and the discolored area will get larger. Some common causes of nail fungus are sweaty and damp feet, walking barefoot, cuts or scraps near the nail, and improper foot hygiene.

Does black toenail polish look good? ›

In short, yes. It doesn't matter what kind of skin tone you have! If you've got fairer skin, black nail polish can create a striking contrast and stand out. But, if you've got a darker complexion, you can also use black nail polish to get that perfect sleek look.

Can you run without a toenail? ›

“Toenails are like our appendix,” Krebsbach says. “They do serve a purpose, but we can live without them.” You can run with toenails, and you can run without them. Either way, you're still running—which is all that matters in our books.

What's the deal with white toenails? ›

Wofford, “There are many causes of white toenails, but the two most common, representing over 90% of all cases that I see in my clinic, are trauma and nail fungus (onychomycosis). Those who have common dermatologic conditions, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema), may also develop white nails.

Why do MMA fighters paint their toes black? ›

Following the example set by MMA fighters, it turns out that painting toenails black can help prevent the nails cracking or splitting during combat, making the choice a functional one rather than aesthetic.

Why is MMA illegal nails? ›

Methyl methacrylate, otherwise known as MMA, is a bonding agent used in some artificial nail products making it set much faster and adhere stronger to the nail than other products. MMA exposure has been linked to adverse health effects including dermal toxicity and respiratory tract effects.

Why do some men paint their toenails black? ›

Men paint their nails black for a number of reasons—for fashion and style, to show they're goth or in a rock band, or to express their sexual or gender identity. Other times, men might paint their nails to strengthen them for sports or guitar playing, or simply to stand out from the crowd just because they want to.

Why do athletes have black toe nails? ›

“That black color you see is really the dried blood,” he explains. Pressure is to blame for this microtrauma, whether it's from shoes that are too small or socks that are too tight, both of which can cause your toes to smack up against the sides of your running shoes, he says.

Why do straight guys paint their nails black? ›

Since society generally sees painted nails as a feminine accessory, a man with a manicure definitely goes against the grain and makes a nonconformist statement. Black represents strength, confidence, and power—a perfect color for a man who wants to project his status as “outside of the rules.”

Why does Chuck Liddell paint his toenails black? ›

Every fighter paints their toe nails so they dont brake when they kick someone. Chuck just happens to paint his black instead of clear.

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