The Marine Corps should break ties with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. That's according to petitions delivered to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and recruiting stations across the country.

The protesters include veterans aligned with a union of hospitality workers.

They say the ultimate-fighting league condones sexist and homophobic behavior that runs contrary to the Marine Corps' commitment to maintain dignity and respect towards others.

The service has spent more than $2 million on commercials aired during televised fights.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily DoD Report. For more defense news, click here.