UFC fighter Casey O’Neill recently made headlines for her unique celebration following a decisive victory at UFC 305, held in Perth, Australia. 

After defeating Luana Santos by unanimous decision, O’Neill decided to commemorate her win by performing a breakdance routine inspired by Olympian Rachael “Raygun” Gunn.

However, rather than offering a respectful homage, O’Neill’s dance move was more of a playful mockery of Gunn’s now-iconic routine.

Raygun Gunn, who gained fame at the Paris Olympics, became a viral sensation due to her distinctive and highly memed breakdance moves. 

Her performance, though criticized and parodied online, captured the public’s imagination, making her one of the most talked-about athletes of the Games. 

The breakdancing routine, which featured a peculiar writhing motion and a unique kangaroo hop, has been widely circulated across social media, leading to numerous imitations and memes.

O’Neill, a proud Australian, saw an opportunity to incorporate her countrywoman’s viral dance into her post-fight celebration. With her victory secured, she fell to the mat and began her version of Raygun’s dance, complete with the signature writhing and kangaroo hop. While the gesture was meant to be humorous and light-hearted, it came off as more of a parody than a tribute. O’Neill’s performance, while certainly entertaining, was infused with an element of comedy, highlighting the contrast between her UFC success and Raygun’s Olympic fame.

The UFC fighter herself had a good laugh about it, giving her own performance a perfect 10 and joking about her potential Olympic future. She quipped, “If they do bring breakdancing back for 2028, I might need to take an MMA hiatus and go get a gold medal.” This playful remark underlined the spirit of her celebration, showing that O’Neill was having fun with the situation rather than intending any harm.

However, the reaction to O’Neill’s dance was mixed. While many enjoyed the humorous take on Raygun’s routine, others saw it as a continuation of the online mockery that Gunn has been subjected to. The Olympian herself has expressed distress over the constant trolling and ridicule. In recent statements, she described the experience as “pretty devastating” and urged people to cease the harassment directed at her and her family. Gunn’s request for kindness reflects the toll that online negativity can take on individuals, especially those who become the subject of widespread jokes and memes.

In response to the mockery, Gunn has sought support and understanding from the public, hoping that the focus will shift away from her viral dance and towards her achievements as an athlete. The persistent jokes and online harassment have overshadowed her Olympic accomplishments, turning a moment of personal triumph into a source of ongoing discomfort.

As for O’Neill’s own Olympic aspirations, her jest about possibly competing in breakdancing in the future is unlikely to materialize. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already confirmed that breakdancing, which made its debut as a sport at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This decision means that any thoughts of transitioning from MMA to breakdancing at the Olympics will remain firmly in the realm of fantasy.

In conclusion, Casey O’Neill’s celebration of her UFC victory with a breakdance imitation of Rachael Gunn highlights the intersection of sports, social media, and viral culture. While her performance was intended as a humorous nod to her fellow countrywoman, it underscores the broader issue of how viral moments can sometimes overshadow the real achievements of the individuals involved. As Raygun Gunn navigates the fallout from her viral fame, the focus on her dance routine should ideally shift to a more respectful acknowledgment of her Olympic success. Meanwhile, O’Neill’s playful antics serve as a reminder of the ways athletes interact with and comment on popular culture, often with unexpected results.

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Source: Tampa Bay Times