Nicknames are something which is given to players in all sports. Specifically in combat sports, a fighter’s nickname is part of their identity and most people recognize them by it. In the MMA world there have been many memorable nicknames given to fighters who have graced the octagon with their fighting skills over the years. A nickname is given based on several things like fighting style, personality or because of an attractive display for performance. UFC has produced a number of great fighters in the past few days , resulting in some of the most recognized and interesting nicknames in sports history.
10. The American Psycho
The Late UFC fighter Stephan Bonnar was most famous for taking part in the bout that put the UFC on the map back in 2005. The bout ended in favor of Forrest Griffin, who defeated Bonnar after a hard fought three round battle. Stephan had a very successful career in the UFC but was widely known for his highly creative nicknames and bold personality.
9. The Iceman
Chuck Liddell’s nickname “The Iceman” is perfectly fitting for him because he was able to overpower his opponents with the cold power of his hands. Liddell began his UFC career in 1998 and had an amazing and long run in the MMA world. He fought his last bout in 2018. Chuck will always be known as one of the most feared strikers in UFC history due to his charming personality, entertaining fighting style and role in building the UFC into what it is today.
8. The Fireball Kid
Takanori Gomi’s nickname definitely relates to the Dragon Ball Z character, which is perfect for the Japanese superstar. Gomi had a great run in Japan’s MMA scene and he fought in various promotions like Shooto and PRIDE FC and made his way to the UFC. This is where very tough competition gave him trouble, which led to an underwhelming UFC campaign. Despite this, he has one of the most unique and entertaining nicknames and will always be known as one of Japan’s best MMA fighters.
7. Uncle Creepy
Ian McCall really looks like a scary villain who can easily play the lead roles in action movies. McCall fought only six matches in the UFC but was widely considered the best flyweight in the world upon his UFC debut. He retired in 2018 but still has one of the most known and interesting nicknames in MMA history.
6. The Irish Hand Grenade
Marcus Davis is probably someone that many new MMA fans will not be familiar with, as most of his fights took place between 2007 and 2011. However, Davis undoubtedly has one of the best and most creative names in MMA history. He fought with fighters like Chris Lytle, Shonie Carter, Dan Hardy, Jeremy Stephens and Nate Diaz during his UFC career and has highlighted finishes over Jonathan Goulet, Jess Laiduin and Jason Tan.
5. Semtex
Paul Daley had a great MMA career and he fought in various promotions, including the UFC. He won a total of 43 matches in his MMA career, of which 35 were knockouts. As soon as Daley’s fist used to make contact with his opponent’s chin, it would result in a jaw-dropping, explosive KO. This is the reason he was given the nickname Semtex because he was like a semtex grenade for his opponents. Daley was arguably one of the most spectacular knockout performers to ever enter the cage.
4. Sexyama
Yoshihiro Akiyama was a fantastic Japanese MMA fighter. It is very rare to see the word “sexy” in a fighter’s nickname, but Akiyama is lucky as he got the nickname “Sexyama”. This nickname has successfully persisted throughout his judo and mixed martial arts career. After many achievements in judo and success in Japan, Akiyama entered the UFC. However, he was not as successful in the UFC as he was in Japan. Despite this, the ease and fan appeal of his nickname will never change.
3. The Axe Murderer
Wanderlei Silva is one of the most feared fighters to ever step into the UFC octagon. The Brazilian had a cold demeanor and would strike fear into the hearts of his opponents minutes before knocking them out. “The Axe Murderer” is known for being one of the greatest champions in PRIDE history before joining the UFC and competing against the likes of Chuck Liddell, Michael Bisping, Rich Franklin and Chris Leben.
2. The Natural
Randy Couture had a remarkable career in the UFC and during his stint with the promotion, “The Natural” became the Heavyweight Champion three times and the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion two times. He retired in 2011 after losing a match to Lyoto Machida. His nickname is timeless and perfect for him, as Couture was always an athletic monster.
1.The Korean Zombie
Of all the nicknames in the history of mixed martial arts, none sounds as attractive as Chan Sung Jung’s “The Korean Zombie”. He is well known for his aggressive, unstoppable advances, even after taking multiple strikes that would cause most fights to stop. Jung has fought various UFC legends like Dustin Poirier, Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar during his UFC career. He is quite popular in the MMA world because of his exciting but risky fighting style.
Also Read:- From Pee-Wee to Felony Worst nicknames in MMA history
