The Best MMA Nicknames

MMA is filled with the best fighters and martial artists in the entire world. So why wouldn’t they also have the best nicknames? Here’s a look at 10 of our favorites…

10. Kevin Ferguson- “Kimbo Slice”

Maybe you thought his real name was Kimbo. That’s OK. But it is just a nickname. Kimbo was a childhood nickname and fight fans added the “Slice” after he left a huge gash over an opponent’s eye in his first taped fight. Whether or not you think Kimbo can cut it as an MMA fighter, his nickname is definitely top 10.

9. Jens Pulver- “Little Evil”

Newer fight fans may not appreciate Pulver because he hasn’t had a victory since late-2007. But Pulver deserves props for being the first-ever UFC lightweight champion, and for having a top-10 nickname.

8. Chris Leben- “The Crippler”

Leben is a fan favorite that provides excitement in every one of his fights. He’s had many nicknames since appearing on the season one of “The Ultimate Fighter”, but the one that has stuck is “The Crippler”. Back in 2005 he told MMA Weekly, “I like the Crippler, I like the Catsmasher, I like Lights Out, you can call me Game Tight….your Baby’s Daddy…..it really doesn’t matter to me. I don’t pick my nicknames, people give them to me.”

7. Stephan Bonnar- “American Psycho”

It’s not exactly the most original nickname on the list, but you can’t deny that it is very cool. Plus, when you consider the Bret Easton Ellis character from the book/movie, it’s totally fitting that an MMA fighter wear that nickname.

6. Ken Shamrock- “The World’s Most Dangerous Man”

Shamrock is currently serving a one-year suspension after testing positive for banned substances following his victory over Ross Clifton earlier this year. At age 45, who knows if he even enters the cage again. But the title of “The World’s Most Dangerous Man” was well-earned. He is a UFC Hall of Famer and his nickname is Hall of Fame, too.

5. Mirko Filipovic- “Cro Cop”

The Croatian Filipovic has been a bust since coming to the UFC, but he comes in at #5 on our Best Nicknames list. For those who don’t know, the nickname comes from his service as a Croatian Anti-Terrorist Squad officer. He also has sat on the Croatian Parliament.

4. Takanori Gomi- “The Fireball Kid”

He’s beaten a Gracie, knocked out Jens Pulver, was submitted by a Gogoplata and whooped on Hayato Sakurai. He’s fought in Pride, Shooto and now Sengoku. He’s been everywhere, man. And he has the #4 nickname on the list.

3. Mark Kerr- “The Smashing Machine”

It’s been a tough road for Kerr, as seen in the documentary branded by his nickname “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Mark Kerr”. He hasn’t had a win in a while, but he won his first 11 fights before running into some substance-abuse troubles. The nickname was apt as Kerr routinely won fights in a dominant fashion.

2. Cris and Evangelista Santos- “Cyborg”

I still can’t figure out if that is their legal name now. It’s probably not but everyone uses “Cyborg” for their last name. The married couple have had a fantastic 2009. Cris defeating Gina Carano and Evangelista putting on an excellent performance in a loss to Joey Villasenor. They also share a fantastic nickname.

1. Wanderlei Silva- “The Axe Murderer”

I don’t care if he doesn’t win as much as he used to. There can be nothing more terrifying than watching a guy named “The Axe Murderer” stare you down while doing that crazy hand movement before the fight begins. “The Axe Murderer” is the best nickname in MMA, and maybe all of sports.