In the realm of mixed martial arts, a fighter’s nickname is more than just a catchy moniker; it is an identity. Some nicknames instill fear in opponents, while others precisely describe a fighter’s mentality and style. Whether inspired by their fighting style, childhood experiences, or self-promotion, these nicknames have become famous in the UFC. Fans frequently identify these names with memorable knockouts, famous battles, and title wins, making them an important part of a fighter’s legacy.
From terrifying titles like ‘The Axe Murderer,’ the suave sound of ‘The American Gangster’, or the perfectly fitting ‘The Notorious’ for Conor McGregor, the UFC has had some of the most memorable nicknames in combat sports history. But which ones are the coolest? Let us reiterate, which ones are even better than Conor McGregor’s ‘The Notorious’? Here are five of the most memorable nicknames in UFC history. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
“The Axe Murderer”—Wanderlei Silva
No nickname in MMA history symbolizes sheer violence like ‘The Axe Murderer’, Wanderlei Silva gained this fearsome moniker following an IVC battle in 1999, where his aggressive, relentless style left an unforgettable impression. Silva was once known as Cachorro Louco (Mad Dog), which aptly describes his aggressive brawling tendencies. However, after earning the IVC Cruiserweight title with a submission victory over Eugene Jackson, matchmaker John Perretti nicknamed him ‘The Axe Murderer’, a moniker that he kept throughout his career.
‘The Axe Murderer’ then went on to terrify Pride FC’s middleweight division, landing some of the most vicious knockouts in MMA history. His brutal Muay Thai clinch, lethal knees, and relentless attitude established him as one of the most feared fighters of his day. Whether it was his iconic fights with Quinton Rampage Jackson or his highlight-reel finishes, Silva lived up to his terrifying reputation every time he entered the ring.
“Rampage”—Quinton Jackson
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson’s nickname perfectly captures his explosive fighting style and chaotic energy. Unlike many fighters, Jackson’s nickname actually originated back in his childhood. On the Fight Back Podcast, he stated that at the age of eight, his cousin christened him Rampage after the popular arcade game. As fate would have it, the name became an ideal fit for his MMA career.
He said, “My cousin named that when I was 8 years old, from the damn [Rampage] video game. It was one of my favorite games growing up. But if I could’ve picked my fight name, it would’ve been ‘Action.’” Jackson rose to prominence in Japan’s Pride FC before joining the UFC, where he defeated Chuck Liddell to become the light heavyweight champion. Whether he was pounding opponents to the mat or delivering violent knockouts, Rampage was an exciting presence in the sport, and his moniker surely reflected that.
“The Korean Zombie”—Chan Sung Jung
Chan Sung Jung’s ability to withstand damage while pushing forward earned him the renowned nickname ‘The Korean Zombie’. Unlike most nicknames, this one was given to him not by a coach or promoter but by MMA fans who were impressed by his relentless fighting style. Jung, known for his extraordinary durability, seemed to march forward irrespective of how much punishment he took—just like a zombie out of a horror movie.
Listening to the crowd send off The Korean Zombie like this gives me goosebumps every single time.
One of the most Wholesome UFC moments ever. pic.twitter.com/TkQPO3fHIw
— IFC Alien (@IfcAlien) July 8, 2024
After building a name for himself in the Korean MMA scene, Chan Sung Jung made his UFC debut against Leonard Garcia in 2011, and he quickly proved why he was a fan favorite. Jung delivered the first-ever twister submission in UFC history, establishing himself as an elite featherweight. Throughout his career, ‘The Korean Zombie’ has been a part of numerous Fight of the Night performances, demonstrating time and again that his nickname is definitely more than just a fancy title.
“Showtime”—Anthony Pettis
Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis’ nickname reflects his flashy fighting technique. Pettis, known for his dynamic striking and creativity inside the cage, got his nickname for his tendency to create highlight-reel moments. His most famous move, the Showtime Kick, debuted at WEC 53 when he rushed up the cage and executed a flying kick to Benson Henderson’s face, an iconic moment that quickly became one of the most memorable moves in MMA history.
“The American Gangster”—Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen, unlike other fighters, chose his own nickname rather than waiting for someone else to do it. ‘The American Gangster’ reputation emerged during Sonnen’s aggressive trash-talking campaign against Anderson Silva, in which he established himself as one of the most entertaining and outspoken individuals in UFC history. Most nicknames are based on fighting style, while Sonnen’s was based solely on attitude. He portrayed himself as a brazen, courageous guy who could sell a fight better than anybody else in the sport.
Despite being a world-class wrestler with many wins, Sonnen’s primary weapon was his microphone. His humorous, outrageous trash talk made him a must-see attraction, whether he was hyping up a fight or conducting post-fight interviews. His rivalry with Silva is one of the most legendary in UFC history, and despite never winning a title, The American Gangster is still one of the most recognizable figures in MMA. What do you think? Do you agree that these nicknames are cooler than Conor McGregor‘s? Let us know in the comments if we missed out on someone!
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