The UFC's Top 25 Heels
For one reason or another, just about everyone loves a heel, and mixed martial artists have known it since the sport’s inception.
Whether it's support of rebellion or the itch to see the villain mauled grotesquely, people tune in when the “bad boy” takes to the cage; when people tune in, the dollar signs add up. Gerard Gordeau knew it on November 12, 1993, and Tito Ortiz still knows it today.
Before I get into my list of most loathed UFC combatants, it’s important to remind readers that this is completely subjective.
What I consider a heel may differ from what you consider a heel. However, make no mistake. These 25 fighters have some negative stigma surrounding their persona, whether they earned their reputation 15 years ago or 15 days ago matters little to me, though I’ll be sure to stipulate why I’ve chosen each man to make the list.
25. Karo Parisyan
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In his prime, Karo possessed all the tools to be an endearing champion. All the tools that is, except the personality. Heart, determination and skill will take you far, but if you’re generally perceived as a prick, expect to be considered the villain.
For a good example of Karo’s personality peeking through,check out the fifth season of “The Ultimate Fighter," then visit Google and search for "Karo Parisyan interview." Believe me, you’ll be convinced I nailed this pick on the head.
UFC Record: 8-4-0-1
24. Patrick Smith
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Before Tito Ortiz ever stepped into the octagon, Patrick Smith was busy taunting fallen foes, tossing around brash language and instigating backstage brawls.
Smith was a product of the early MMA days before proper conduct became a necessity. Revisiting old fight footage and news briefs, it’s now apparent that Smith reveled in the role of the heel. Over the years, Smith has matured quite a bit, but that’s to be expected of a man approaching 50.
For an entertaining read, look into the backstage fight that unfolded between Smith and David “Tank” Abbott; there are some outrageous quotes awaiting.
UFC Record: 4-2
23. Cameron Dollar
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There are few things worse than watching a grown man brag endlessly about his supposed sexual exploits on a reality television show, especially when he’s stuck in a house with 15 other men, where he’ll have no chance to back up his shallow claims.
I’d speak more on Cameron, but honestly, he doesn’t merit the promotion. I won’t even remind you of what season of "The Ultimate Fighter" Dollar appeared; he’s that nauseating.
UFC Record: 0-1
22. C.B. Dollaway
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Like a handful of others included in this list, “The Doberman” initially earned himself an ugly reputation during his stint on “The Ultimate Fighter."
It’s not that Dollaway is an overtly obnoxious individual, it’s more the fact that he looks like one. That smirk is tough to deal with.
Throw in C.B.’s tendency to make excuses for poor performances, and it’s hard to deny that general viewers aren’t exactly leaping to issue career support.
You can experience the full repellant by revisiting “The Ultimate Fighter” season 7.
UFC Record: 5-3
21. Cheick Kongo
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Let’s be brutally honest: MMA caters to the male audience far more than the female audience. That said, it’s easy for anyone to dislike a man known to intentionally throw strikes aimed at the crotch of another man.
"Cup" Cheick Kongo’s gone on the record in the past, admitting (shamelessly) to committing intentional fouls. What’s more disturbing about the situation is that he (at times) actually seems deeply proud of his despicable actions.
For the most blatant (though not his only offense) example of this misconduct, check out Kongo’s UFC 75 bout with Mirko “Crocop” Filipovic, but beware, it may induce pain just watching from the comfort of your couch.
UFC Record: 8-4-1
20. Gabe Ruediger
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No one likes a quitter.
Everyone likes to see a quitter get the snot beat out of them; thanks are in order to Joe Lauzon, Melvin Guillard and Paul Taylor.
'Nuff Said.
UFC Record: 0-3
19. Vernon White
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Vernon “Tiger” White is probably the best mediocre fighter to get a chance to compete for the UFC post 2000. That said, he’s still never lived up to his potential, and he’s never been more than a decent fighter... so, it’s a bit surprising how arrogant the wily veteran has always been.
Close your eyes and imagine sitting through 24 consecutive hours of dime sized spit wads being shot in your face; that’s about how painfully annoying it is just sitting through typical pre-fight hype from White. The man is dreadfully brash, and it’s just not becoming.
You won’t find many who don’t respect the “Tiger," but finding a legitimate fan is going to be far more challenging.
UFC Record: 0-1-1
18. Joe Son
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I’m probably not the only one overcome by a thick feeling of unease upon seeing Joe Son debut back at UFC 4. There was something creepy about this guy, and it hung in the air like mosquitos on a summer horizon.
It turns out, this awkward 5’4” heavyweight who claimed to be a man of purity and religion had been involved in a gang rape that occurred just four years prior.
I knew there was something suspicious about that little booger.
Joe is one of the ultimate heels, as he’s a genuinely bad dude away from the cage. Rooting for this guy is like taking the Lord’s name in vain during Sunday morning mass (Okay, the return to the religion was uncalled for, but you're picking up what I'm putting down).
UFC Record: 0-1
17. Gilbert Yvel
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Gilbert Yvel is the owner of one of the most checkered backgrounds in the sport. The man has punched referees, gouged eyes and bitten an opponent or two; the term "loose cannon" may fit too loose for Gilbert.
To Yvel’s credit, he’s managed to keep his temper controlled for the last few years. Having said so, it’s impossible to erase the image of him battering an unsuspecting, puny referee back in 2004, and therefore, it’s impossible to not view this guy for the unsympathetic heel he once was.
Look into Yvel’s matches with Atte Backman and Karimula Barkalaev for some disturbing footage.
UFC Record: 0-3
16. Paul Daley
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Paul is a despicable character whose willingness to stand and trade with anyone and tremendous power are the only things that have kept Daley in the spotlight.
“Semtex” has experienced more than a single meltdown throughout his career; however, it just so happens that his most glaring incident occurred on the biggest stage in the country. At UFC 113, he launched a punch at Josh Koscheck long after the final bell sounded and the two separated.
UFC president Dana White was so disturbed by the whole ordeal, he immediately fired Daley.
As unruly as Paul is, he only ranks at number 16 due to his sustained popularity.
UFC Record: 2-1
15. Jamie Varner
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Jamie Varner isn’t a terrible guy; he’s just a bit childish and, well, to put it simply: He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
You can get a relatively accurate vibe of Varner’s attitude just by watching the latter fights of his WEC run. Prefight and post-fight interviews show a man who speaks before he thinks, and at times doesn’t even seem to realize how crude he’s spoken.
Again, I attribute this personality defect to immaturity.
UFC Record: 1-1
14. Mike Kyle
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Sans the specifics, just about everything I said about Gilbert Yvel applies to Mike Kyle.
This guy may have pulled things together over the last few years, but it doesn’t replace the multitude of infractions he’s committed throughout his career.
Hit the search engine and seek out Kyle’s match with Brian Olsen at WEC 20 to see “MAK’s” inner barroom brawler escape.
UFC Record: 2-1
13. Lee Murray
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Lee is hands down the most fascinating individual incorporated in this piece. He played the heel, but not necessarily inside the cage.
Murray’s troubles away from professional competition are numerous and well documented. The man has been stabbed, died, been revived, knocked Tito Ortiz silly in a street-fight, took part in a massive robbery in the UK, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, made the notion to escape prison and ultimately had his sentence extended from 10 to 25 years.
Whew. The thug life is winding.
Ironically, Murray actually possessed a level of talent (and personality) that would have likely earned him an extremely lucrative contract.
UFC Record: 1-0
12. Nick Diaz
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I’m thinking Nick should take on the moniker “Oxymoron”, because that’s just what he is; an immensely (and genuinely) embraced anti-hero/heel.
Diaz is known to combat crowd aggression and negativity with his own offensive arsenal. When the boos rain down, the fingers fly up, and we as fans have come to love that, as well as Diaz’s dangerously abrasive style.
Marijuana advocacy certainly lends to the rebellious image of Diaz. Whether that makes him more or less polarizing is honestly beyond me; it’s certainly intriguing.
UFC Record: 6-4
11. Phil Baroni
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I’m inclined to assume that anyone with a nickname like the “New York Bad Ass” is going to be a less than stellar guy. That inclination however would lead me astray these days.
Phil plays the role well, and he knows it. In all actuality he’s a bright, soft spoken guy with a bit of an edge to him. That’s a far cry from the rude, loudmouthed wonder you see in front of the screen come PR time.
Regardless of who Phil Baroni has become over time, a large chunk of mixed martial arts fans remain intent on despising the man. I’m not one of those guys, but I’ve got to give credit where credit is due: Phil worked hard to develop the antagonist role, so he slides in at number 11.
UFC Record: 3-7
10. Gerard Gordeau
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This rangy savateur was biting ears long before Mike Tyson gave it a go.
Gordeau may be remembered as the guy who kicked three teeth from Teila Tuli’s grill, but anyone who followed the sport in the early 90’s will remember him for a string of other reasons.
As I mentioned, Gordeau was a known biter (he managed a little chomping on Royce Gracie at UFC 1 before Royce secured a rear naked choke, which he made sure to hold a little longer than needed), but he took erroneous fouls much further than that. Just two years after taking the kink to Royce Gracie, Gordeau left Yuki Nakai partially blind with some nasty eye gouging.
If you’re looking for the UFC’s first genuine villain, look no further.
UFC Record: 2-1
9. Frank Mir
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Frank Mir is a talented, charismatic, intelligent veteran of the sport at just 32 years old; it’s too bad he’s unable to control his pre-fight antagonism, which has earned him an inescapable villainous brand.
Mir’s always been a pretty cocky fellow, but fans of the man who once ran through Roberto Traven, Pete Williams and “Tank” Abbott in under three combined minutes are more than likely disappointed with the Las Vegan's off putting personality. It’s great to be confident; it’s a completely different issue when you take confidence and contort it until it’s nothing more than disrespect.
I’d isolate Mir’s pre-fight trash talk against Brock Lesnar as an example of Mir’s lack of tact, but in reality, you can watch just about any interview the man’s done (save for his promotion leading up to Saturday’s bout with Roy Nelson, which has been surprisingly respectful) to capture the essence of Mir’s arrogance.
UFC Record: 12-5
8. Michael Bisping
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Michael “The Count” Bisping seems to be more misunderstood than anything else.
Bisping’s generally viewed as one of the UFC’s leading heels due to his inclination to rattle off insulting jokes, which he often takes too far.
Recently, however, Michael’s popularity seemed to be on the rise, until that is, Jorge Rivera lured him into a hideous pre-fight exchange leading up to UFC 127. It turns out “The Count” doesn’t take the verbal barbs as well as he delivers; Bisping suffered a major mental stumble during the bout, delivering an intentional knee to the face of a downed Rivera and then spitting a hefty load of phlegm at Rivera’s corner.
It’s unlikely Bisping will ever repair his tarnished reputation following the debacle, which fans generally consider a career low for the brash Brit.
UFC Record: 11-3
7. Brock Lesnar
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I’d label Brock Lesnar more the grumpy recluse than bona fide heel, but I think the majority of MMA fans would likely disagree with me.
What’s interesting about the former champion is that, save for his massive loss of control directly following his victory over Frank Mir at UFC 100, he really hasn’t done much to warrant the heel branding he’s received.
To be completely honest, I think people just want to bombard the “fake wrestler” with negativity due to his WWE history. It’s a shame, because the man is a decent fighter.
UFC Record: 4-2
6. Junie Browning
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I really don’t want to give this clown much time or attention; dig out your eighth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” DVD’s for an embarrassing reminder of how pathetic a human being can behave.
UFC Record: 1-1
05. Chael Sonnen
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I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t a massive fan of this part-time standup comedian.
Chael doesn’t just insult his opponents; he trolls them to an exhausted state, then prods a bit more.
Frighteningly enough, he’s put together a skillset that now enables him to support the structure of verbal abuse he builds prior to fight time; a bully who backs up all the nonsense he speaks is a terrifying thing to deal with.
For some awesome examples of Sonnen’s defamatory tirades, look into his pre-fight statements hurled at Anderson Silva. That one fight alone produced a Bible sized novel of hilarious quotes.
Here’s hoping he can get his life together while away from the cage, it would be a true shame to miss the chance of seeing Chael Sonnen abuse Michael Bisping somewhere down the line.
UFC Record: 4-4
4. David “Tank” Abbott
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There are few moments in the history of this sport as astonishing or as memorable as that unbelievable instance in which “Tank” Abbott loomed over an unconscious John Matua, hands extended, shaking, mocking his comatose foe. It was the sports first blatant look at a proud bad guy.
Known for his passion for frequent drinks and brutal bar brawls, “Tank” brought a personality into the cage that followers of the UFC weren’t used to seeing in 1995. He was a cold hearted villain, and it wasn’t all just a promotional stunt; this guy just didn’t give a damn about mankind’s well-being.
There are countless examples of “Tank’s” wildly unprofessional behavior (I already mentioned his tiff with Patrick Smith), but if you want to find a few moments of intensity without digging through a mountain of history, search for "Tank Abbott versus Hugo Duarte," or "Tank Abbott versus Steve Nelmark."
UFC Record: 8-10
3. Wes Sims
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I’d almost excluded Wes from the list, since many fans viewed it as a favor when he stomped the stuffing out of Frank Mir’s head at UFC 43. That probably wouldn’t be the right thing to do; this guy was a heel to the bone.
Sims’ career has been marred by numerous unsportsmanlike incidents and a series of rivalries, including feuds with Frank Mir, Mike Kyle and Tim Sylvia.
Unbelievably, Sims managed to drastically alter his image in the latter portions of his career. A run on the 10th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” ultimately painted Sims as an endearing funny man who was more wild than vile. Since, MMA fans and pundits have hit the brakes on much of the Wes Sims hatred.
UFC Record: 0-3
2. Josh Koscheck
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Ladies and gentlemen, I give you “TUF’s” number one villain, Josh Koscheck.
This man has been a disgrace from the beginning. He was cruel and near intolerable while appearing on the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter," and he proved to be (arguably) even more aggravating during his run as a coach on the Spike reality show’s 12th season, some five years later.
It’s near impossible to find a fight in which Koscheck isn’t insulting or taunting his opponents, and it’s gotten to the point that the horse isn’t just beaten; it’s been pulverized into a pool of thick, unrecognizable muck. No one is entertained by Koscheck’s juvenile actions anymore, and the man just continues to embarrass himself while expanding his legion of dedicated haters.
The only reason Koscheck doesn’t nab the number one spot on this list?
He’s still winning fights.
UFC Record: 13-5
1. Tito Ortiz
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Considered by casual fans as the first heel of the UFC, Ortiz actually had plenty of material to study by the time he debuted in 1997. In fact, many felt Tito had simply borrowed “Tank” Abbott’s persona.
But Tito would prove through the years that while it looked like a bad act, Ortiz is actually a pretty childish goon who happens to be a bona fide, legit heel.
Tito’s natural instinct is to insult his opponents, and he does it often. He has virtually zero humility, despite being humiliated time and again inside the octagon, and he’s got an invisible backpack on that carries enough excuses to give him back, neck and knee problems.
The most nagging issue with Tito is he’s simply lost all relevance in this sport. He hasn’t won a fight for the promotion in five years; you’d think that might slow the motor mouth. Wrong: Tito continues talking, and continues failing inside the confines of the octagon.
“The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” did indeed help usher in the mainstream following the UFC’s taken on (for that we do all owe a small debt of gratitude), but that was many years ago. Having come up short in his last five outings, Ortiz has become little more than deadweight that the UFC can afford to cut loose.
UFC Record: 14-8-1
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