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Avalanche Star Nathan MacKinnon’s Unexpected Link to UFC Contenders

Colorado Avalanche star forward Nathan MacKinnon has an unexpected link to two former UFC title challengers.

By Giancarlo Aulino · Heavy

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 4:14 AM

Key Things to Know

Nathan MacKinnon shares a training connection with UFC contenders Brandon Royval and Cory Sandhagen at a Colorado gym.
MacKinnon fought twice during the first month of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Royval stayed after his workout to meet MacKinnon after learning the forward took private striking lessons at his gym.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon trains in mixed martial arts during his spare time, linking him directly to UFC contenders Cory Sandhagen and Brandon Royval. After MacKinnon engaged in two on-ice fights during the opening month of the 2026-27 NHL season, details of his combat sports training at a Colorado gym resurfaced through past comments from both fighters.

Royval recounted waiting around at his training facility specifically to meet the NHL star after learning MacKinnon took private striking lessons there. Meanwhile, Sandhagen credited his gym conversations with MacKinnon for introducing him to hockey culture and turning him into an avid follower of the sport.

Read the full article on Heavy

Avalanche Star Nathan MacKinnon’s Unexpected Link to UFC Contenders

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