British MMA star considers changing name because of Taylor Swift – ‘People ask if I’m serious’
A 21-year-old MMA fighter named Taylor Swift has revealed his struggles with sharing a name with the world-famous pop star, admitting he considered legally changing it.
The rising combat sports star from Cheltenham has grown tired of being teased by fellow fighters over his connection to the chart-topping singer.
“Even at weigh-ins, people start laughing”, Swift told The Sun.
The lightweight fighter has faced constant mockery during his burgeoning career, particularly during pre-fight announcements.
“People ask if I’m serious when I tell them my name”, he said, describing the recurring reactions he encounters.
The 6ft fighter has already built an impressive record, winning three of his four bouts since beginning MMA just 14 months ago.
Alongside his fighting career, Swift works as an electrical apprentice in Gloucestershire.
His unique name has led to amusing situations beyond the fighting arena.
“It gets a laugh when I’m going through airport security and on the door at clubs”, he explained.
The constant name-related incidents have become a regular part of his daily life, affecting everything from travel to nightlife.
Despite initial frustrations, Swift has now decided to embrace his famous namesake, seeing potential benefits for his professional career, having previously considered legally changing it.
“The name will help. A big part of the sport is about social media and sales”, he added.
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“It’s hard to become a pro [in MMA], so everything helps.”
His distinctive name has already garnered him 1,500 Instagram followers, including several “Swifties” who discovered his profile by accident.
The young fighter has decided to “Shake It Off” and use the name recognition to his advantage in building his combat sports career.
Despite his name connection, Swift admits he’s not a fan of the pop star’s music.
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“I don’t think I could even name three of her songs”, he joked.
Meanwhile, Swift the singer was in attendance on Sunday night as the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills to qualify for the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs are aiming to become the first team to win the trophy three years in a row.
And tight end Travis Kelce, who is dating the pop star, said: “It’s a new feeling right now but I’m just excited.
“I’m happy for the guys that are doing this for the first time, trying to make it everything for them.
“But I know there’s bigger fish to fry and that’s the Philadelphia Eagles down there in New Orleans.
“We know they’re gonna have a sour taste in their mouth from the last time we played them in the Super Bowl.
“That being said, we gotta go to work. We gotta go to work and make sure we’re ready to handle it.”