A well-crafted nickname goes a long way in all sports. Specifically, in combat sports, as a fighter's nickname is a part of their introduction and their identity. The MMA world has bestowed several memorable nicknames upon the men and women who have graced the octagon with their fighting spirit throughout the years. A fighter's nickname can be based on many things, including their combat style, personality, or simply because it was casually made up due to a fascinating performance. The UFC has been home to the best fighters in MMA for decades, which has resulted in some of the most recognized and entertaining nicknames in sports history.
10 Marcus "The Irish Hand Grenade" Davis
Marcus Davis is likely not a name many new MMA fans would be familiar with due to the majority of his activity taking place between 2007 and 2011. However, Davis inarguably holds one of the coolest and most creative nicknames in MMA history.
The former UFC standout has gone to battle with the likes of Chris Lytle, Shonie Carter, Dan Hardy, Jeremy Stephens, and Nate Diaz throughout his UFC career and holds highlight-reel finishes over Jonathan Goulet, Jess Laiduin, and Jason Tan.
9 Paul "Semtex" Daley
Paul Daley's nickname is undoubtedly one of the most accurate endearments in MMA history. Like a semtex grenade, Daley's fist making contact with an opponent's chin would generally result in a jaw-dropping explosive KO that would end up on ESPN's top-10 later in the evening.
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His flying knee KO of Brennan Ward is exceptionally memorable due to the picture-perfect knee he was able to land so accurately. He holds 34 knockout victories throughout his MMA career and will go down as one of the most prolific knockout artists to ever grace the cage.
8 Stephan "The American Psycho" Bonnar
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Just one look at Stephan Bonnar and the nickname immediately clicks. The former TUF finalist is most famous for partaking in the bout that put the UFC on the map back in 2005, which resulted in Forrest Griffin defeating Bonnar after a hard-fought three-round war.
Bonnar would go on to have a fairly successful career in the UFC but was widely known for his uber-creative nickname and outspoken personality.
7 Takanori "The Fireball Kid" Gomi
Takanori Gomi's nickname sounds like something a Dragon Ball Z character would be called, which is quite fitting for the former Japanese superstar. After compiling one of the most impressive runs in Japan's MMA scene, Gomi made his way to the UFC.
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It was there where much stiffer competition gave him trouble, and ultimately led to an underwhelming UFC campaign. Despite this, he holds one of the most unique nicknames to date and will forever be known as one of Japan's most memorable combat athletes.
6 Andre "Touchy" Fili
Of all the memorable nicknames in MMA today, Andre Fili's play-on-words nickname might truly be the best out there. The former top-ranked featherweight has had a successful UFC career.
Fili remains one of the toughest featherweights on the UFC roster today and continues to provide fans with entertaining fights year after year. He still has a lot left to prove.
5 Ian "Uncle Creepy" McCall
Ian McCall truly has the look of a creepy villain who is capable of being the lead in a low-budget action film.
The California native only competed in the UFC six times but was widely regarded as the best flyweight in the world upon making his UFC debut. McCall retired in 2018 but still holds one of the most notable nicknames in MMA history.
4 Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell
Chuck Liddell's name is extremely fitting, simply because he was able to quite literally stiff his opponents with the cold power in his hands. ​​​​​​ Liddell was that kind of fighter.
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He will forever go down as one of the most loved and feared strikers in UFC history, due to his likable personality, entertaining fighting style, and role in building the UFC up to what it is today.
3 Yoshihiro "Sexyama" Akiyama
Not every fighter is lucky enough to have the word sexy incorporated into his nickname. Fortunately for Yoshihiro Akiyama, the nickname successfully stuck throughout his judo and mixed martial arts career. After numerous accomplishments in the sport of judo and success in Japan, Akiyama inked a deal with the UFC.
Despite never being as successful in the UFC as he was in Japan, the smoothness and fan appeal of his nickname will never change.
2 Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva
Wanderlei Silva remains one of the most intimidating and terrifying fighters to ever step foot inside the UFC octagon. "The Axe Murderer" had a cold demeanor, and a walkout that would strike fear into the hearts of opponents minutes before he would knock them out cold.
He is widely known for being one of the most prolific champions in Pride history before joining the UFC roster and facing off with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Michael Bisping, Rich Franklin, and Chris Leben. Silva will forever be remembered as one of the patriarchs of modern mixed martial arts.
1 Chan Sung Jung, "The Korean Zombie"
Of all the nicknames throughout mixed martial arts history, none ring quite like Chan Sung Jung's, "The Korean Zombie." Jung is well-known for his aggressive, nonstop forward movement, even after suffering multiple blows that would halt the majority of fighters.
Jung has shared the octagon with UFC notables Dustin Poirier, Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar, and Brian Ortega throughout his UFC career. He continues to garner a huge following due to his exciting yet risky style.
