Since the early days when the sport was anything but a mainstream endeavor, the MMA industry has thrived and survived through various websites, forums, and – perhaps most importantly – social-media platforms.

Fighters interact with fans, each other and many more through the likes of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.

Following Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 206 in Las Vegas, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.

Check out some of those reactions.

The defeated

T.J. Brown had to make the tough decision of leaving behind his home state.

Born and raised in Arkansas, Brown (16-8 MMA, 2-2 UFC) grew up training with rising star Bryce Mitchell, but he felt the best move for his career was to seek a bigger gym.

The 31-year-old now trains out of James Krause’s Glory MMA in Kansas, a move that has resulted in him snapping his losing skid with a two-fight winning streak. Mitchell has found a way to make Arkansas work by emerging as a featherweight contender, but Brown believes it was a necessary move for him personally.

“So me and Bryce came up together. That’s my boy,” Brown told MMA Junkie Radio. “We trained our entire career with each other in Arkansas, and that’s my boy. What was best for me was for me to be over here at Glory in Kansas. It’s just good for my mental. I can really just focus on fighting and focus on myself and kind of get away, but Bryce is a stud. I don’t see anything stopping him from being the champ, and I mean that. I’m not just talking my guy up. I really don’t see anything stopping him from being the champ.”

Krause has helped plenty of young fighters make their mark on the big stage, which has drawn fighters to his training methods such as Bellator bantamweight contender James Gallagher and ex-UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno.

“He’s just a great coach,” Brown said. “He’s a great mental coach, and he’s got the X’s and O’s down to a tee. It’s not just James. I love James and what he brings, but he’s also got a room full of killers out here, so it really brings out the best of me.

“There’s training sessions where I’m sitting here, and I’m like second-guessing staying in or tired and beat up or maybe even a bit nervous because I know I have to go in there and get after it, but that’s what you need, and that’s what I need. As much as I can get in that uncomfortable state, I feel the more comfortable I’m gonna be come my fight.”

Brown returns to action June 25 when he meets Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in a Fight Night event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

MIAMI – Gilbert Burns feels it’s time he gets a bit choosy with the type of opposition he should face next.

The former UFC title challenger has historically welcomed all challenges regardless of their ranking, but that’s changing. Burns (20-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) believes he’s deserving of a high profile fight for his next outing given the closely-contested, Fight of the Year candidate he put on last month against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273.

Burns wants a big fight against Colby Covington or Jorge Masvidal – even if it means he’ll have to wait a bit for the opportunity.

“I think the fight that makes sense right now would be Colby Covington or Jorge Masvidal,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “Those are the two fights that I wanted, even with all the legal things. If I have to wait, I’ll wait. I don’t care. Those are the fights that make sense and I want them.

“I don’t want to get another back-of-the-line contender. No, now I’m becoming a draw in that division. Now I’m on the cards. I’ll still fight anyone, don’t get me wrong, but you have to prove your point, that you deserve to be there right now.

“I’m putting so much work and giving opportunity to these guys, but now that’s changing a little bit and those are the two fights that I want. Colby Covington makes sense and Jorge Masvidal makes sense.”

There’s no denying “Durinho” has grown in popularity since his wild fight against Chimaev. Although he’s been a top contender for several years now, Burns feels he’s finally becoming a major player in the division in terms of popularity.

“I always wanted to be that guy and I put in a lot of work for that,” Burns said. “It finally (happened). I have to get on that wave right now and take advantage. The amount of following and love from the fans is getting crazy. The opportunities now and deals I’m getting are kind of changing and that’s going to transfer to the fight.

“My next fight I’m coming with blood in my mouth. That fight with Khamzat was so close. A lot of people saw the heart, the work, and that there’s no quit in me. I’m going to keep showing that in my next fight. With a big name, I’m going to show people what I’m capable of. And to cement my career and journey, I have to get that belt. And nothing but a big fight can get me closer to that.”