ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The fighters that compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship are regarded by many as the gladiators of our time. The fighters however, have a different perspective as to who are the real ultimate fighters.

Dana White, the president of the UFC and large supporter of the military, said he always talks about what it takes to be a fighter and how Marines are the true ultimate fighters.

Approximately 1,500 Marines from Marine Corps Installations West, MCRD San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region throughout California attended the Matt Hughes vs. BJ Penn welterweight title fight Sept. 23 at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim. The Marines had seats so close to the action that they could see their favorite fighters clearly from their seats and hear the impact of their punches and kicks on their opponent.

Some of the UFC fighters served in the military before competing in the UFC. One of the most respected fighters in the UFC is Randy "The Natural" Couture, a former two-time heavyweight and lightweight champion.

"We share a warrior spirit with you guys," said Randy "The Natural" Couture. "I served for six years in the Army, so I know about sacrifice and what these men go through. I think it's great to see them out here enjoying themselves."

Couture along with middleweight champion Richard Franklin recently visited troops in Iraq.

"I Love Camp Pendleton," said Kendall "Da Spyder" Grove. "Those guys were great."

Marines from Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, displayed a humvee and a variety of different weapons outside of the home of the Mighty Ducks.

The Marine Corps was also represented by a large Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on the floor of the octagon.

The Marines greeted families waiting to see their favorite UFC stars weigh in for the upcoming fights and to get autographs signed by some of the other popular fighters.

"I was really excited," said Kevin Holt, Marine option midshipman, University of San Diego/San Diego State University Navy ROTC battalion. "I watch UFC a lot, and it was really cool to see all the fighters that I see on television... It really builds morale."

Retired service members also stopped to speak with the Marines about the differences in the weapons and took some time to hold certain weapons and speak with the Marines.

Throughout the night, many fans stopped and thanked the Marines for their service.

Kendall "Da Spyder" Grove, Ultimate Fighter 3 middleweight champion on the reality show, "The Ultimate Fighter," took time to thank the Marines and shake all their hands. Grove, along with Randy "The Natural" Couture, Brandon "The Truth" Vera, and Dean "The Boogeyman" Lister visited Camp Pendleton earlier this year.

At the fight, the Marines witnessed Matt Hughes defeat BJ "The Prodigy" Penn and defend his title as the UFC Welterweight Champion.

The title fight was highly anticipated due to the fighters' last meeting in the octagon. Penn defeated Hughes in the first round by submission, but due to a contract dispute, Penn had to forfeit his title.

In this bout, the first two rounds were scored to Penn. Several times during the match Hughes narrowly escaped submission. However, in the third round, Hughes was able to pin Penn down and land 42 unanswered blows to Penn's face. Referee "Big John" McCarthy called the fight due to Penn's inability to defend himself.

"I love you guys, you make this world safer for me," said Hughes. "If I could do anything for you I would do it."

Matt Hughes is a big supporter of the military. On his webpage he has a section dedicated to the military.

Mike "Quick" Swick continues to impress the fighting world. After winning a contract on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, his Mixed Martial Arts record improved to 11-1-0 after defeating David "The Crow" Loiseau by unanimous decision Sept. 23.

The upset of the event came from Joe Lauzon, a 7-1 underdog from Bridgewater Mass. He made his UFC debut by defeating former lightweight champion Jens Pulver in the first round by knockout.

Although these men are warriors in the octagon, outside they are regular human beings and are much different then their in-ring persona leads most people to believe.

Though often viewed as arrogant in the ring, the fighters respect the military and the sacrifices service members make.

California native who also recently visited Camp Pendleton and it's warriors, Tito Ortiz, who goes by the nickname "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy," said he can not thank the Marines more for what they do.

"I think Marines and fighters have a lot in common. We both go to battle, just in a different way," said Ortiz.