“It’s always a fun night out when a fight erupts in the club… as long as you’re not directly involved,” we chuckled, navigating our way along Tottenham Court Road. My favorite hot dog vendor at the station was still there – a companion from a tipsy late-night discussion about Balkan geopolitics; we waved at him before heading towards the Outernet. The line was just as expected: Hatsune Miku shirts, cyber-themed tattoos, eyebrow piercings, and a scattering of cat ears.
I first learned about Genesys through a friend of a friend, and judging by the crowd, that's the usual way in. It’s the type of night where everyone is familiar; like a birthday celebration, but instead of cake and candles, it features two shirtless opponents battling it out, accompanied by Natural Mind pioneers Mechatok and Varg2™. By the time we got inside, secured our belongings, and got a drink, the initial altercation had already begun.
Rain Mueller, one of the key figures behind the collective, once mentioned to Culted that London nightlife is “bleak and uncreative,” and it’s hard to argue with that. Nearly 68% of Londoners claim the economic situation has led them to go out less often. The statistics worsen regarding inclusivity, as the number of LGBTQ+ establishments in London has decreased from approximately 127 to just over 50 since 2006. This trend also mirrors MMA, with the sport largely dominated by men. According to Statista, 85% of professional MMA fighters worldwide are male – the UFC roster alone consists of about 576 men compared to 118 women, roughly 83% male.
With toughness, stoicism, and dominance being hallmarks of traditional MMA culture, and fighters expected to "man up," disregarding pain and emotion, it’s not surprising that the sport is viewed as embodying hegemonic masculinity: one that discourages vulnerability and non-traditional gender expression. Furthermore, limited representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups suggests that exclusion is more embedded into the sport's very fabric than incidental.
This is where Genesys steps in: London’s inaugural MMA rave, where club fights have a completely different vibe from lukewarm beer being thrown around and freshly turned 18-year-olds being escorted out by security. I slipped backstage amid the action, where I chatted with some of the fighters. One of them, Kumi, was toying with a champagne bottle. “Personally, I was given the freedom to decide on the walkout video and outfit. It’s quite different from traditional MMA promotions, where fighters lack that creative liberty.”
The champagne cork popped. “And even if they were given that freedom, I doubt they would fully utilize it because they are so focused on just fighting. It nearly allows fighters to partake in a professional-like show without the macho mindset that many martial arts events sadly carry.”
Genesys, filled with vibrancy and movement, appears to be a space independent from both mainstream entertainment within the MMA realm and nightlife. The fights focus less on masculine domination and more on presenting MMA as a creative expression, a relatively uncharted area. While smaller events often emulate the UFC, Genesys distinguishes itself. From queer club culture influencing crowd attire, to DJs chosen by the audience, every aspect feels collaborative. And the championship belt? Crafted and 3D-printed by one of their own. More than simply a trophy, it signifies Genesys's transformation from a club event into a dynamic creative ecosystem, powered by a collective born out of necessity, influencing various scenes. Fighters embrace each other after matches, friendships develop through talent scouting on Instagram, and collaboration occurs only “when it aligns with the egregore,” as Rain describes, not merely when funding a match.
At first glance, it might appear to be mere spectacle. Is it just a gimmick to host fights in a club? Observing from within, it’s evident that it’s not. Every fighter I encountered had complete control over their performance, from walkout outfits (Kumi’s designed by his childhood best friend, for instance) to the videos that preceded their entrance. The event fosters a space that is significantly safer and more inclusive than most nightlife scenes, let alone mainstream sports events, more likely to promote mutualism rather than a sleazy Mayfair promoter.
As the night winds down, someone is searching for their vape, bars are calling last orders, and everyone is scrambling for an Uber, I ask Kirk – one of the organizers – what the future holds for Genesys. “More. We’re just beginning to explore this world being shaped around us and all the different forms it can take. Clothing, music, design, art, disciplines, ancient religion, and storytelling.” I understand most of that, but ancient religion? Is the next boxing referee going to be a shaman? I guess we’ll have to wait and see, but one thing
Def Leppard, recognized as the UK's Greatest Arena Rock Band, has today revealed tour dates for the UK and EU in June and July 2026. The eleven dates announced include
In their first new music in ten years, American rock band Alabama Shakes has released a new single titled 'Another Life.’ This marks their debut release with Island Records.
At the Gorillaz 'Demon Days' concert, it's a family-oriented event. While standing in the press line outside the Copper Box Arena––a venue that has been transformed into a Gorillaz space...
If you've been following UK rap in the last year, you'll recognize that deed0t isn't interested in fitting in — he aims to stand out. From the heartfelt
As the days become shorter and sunny days are scarce, JOY is reviving the summer spirit with her solo mini-album, 'From JOY, with Love.'
“It’s always an entertaining night out when a brawl starts in the club… as long as you’re not the one involved,” we chuckled, wrapping our