Top 5 UFC Fighters That Live Up to Their Nicknames

In MMA, you have individual athletes with their own personality and fighting abilities. Many of these fighters carry nicknames with them; some silly, some confusing, and some completely off. But then there are fighters who have nicknames that do not just sit before or after their first names, but truly represent that fighter. This is a short list of the top five fighters in the UFC who live up to what their nickname implies. 

*This list is in no particular order

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No. 5: Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve

Stefan Struve, also known as “Skyscraper,” is the tallest fighter in the UFC currently. He stands 6’11’’ and is always interesting to watch fight. Sometimes it’s his long limbs reaching out and striking, sometimes it’s Struve using them to lock on a submission.

Sad to say, but Struve getting knocked out is a sight of its own, just for the sheer fact he has a further distance to drop to the canvas. He stands out with his fighting as well, but truly his allure comes a lot from standing in front of guys like Pat Barry. His confidence going into fights in unwavering as well. Always brings the fight, the “Skyscraper” physically and mentally towers above many. 

No. 4: "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung

Chan Sung Jung is famously known as “The Korean Zombie.” His nickname hails from his style of taking shots, but still pushes forward toward his opponent in unrelenting fashion. His fights with Leonard Garcia showed the world that he comes to fight, and brings something unique to the Octagon.

After being knocked out by a head kick from George Roop, Chan Sung Jung came back from the dead and pulled off the UFC’s first “Twister” submission against Garcia, and went on to knock out Mark Hominick in seven seconds. It is clear that taking off the head of this zombie is not the solution to get him to stop. 

No. 3: Anthony "Showtime" Pettis

Anthony Pettis is an exciting fighter that has come over from the WEC merger. His nickname is “Showtime” and probably one of the most fitting of nicknames. He was 12-1 going into a title fight against Ben Henderson, and stole the belt away to become the last WEC LW champ. In that fight, Anthony Pettis pulled off a move that has now been dubbed the “Showtime Kick.” This leaping off the cage kick made Pettis’ fame skyrocket, as well as the hype behind him.

His name, and the “Showtime” moniker proved to be a fitting name for his style of fighting. Always flashy and energetic, Pettis brings an unpredictable fight game with him that is sure to make fans watching on the edges of their seats. He has tried other very unique and unorthodox moves, but none have landed with the same effect the kick has. Once he steps into the Octagon, fans can pretty accurately say it is “Showtime” and expect a good fight. 

No. 2: BJ "The Prodigy" Penn

BJ Penn is a legend in the sport and has been in the UFC for over 10 years. His nickname: “The Prodigy.” The reason why this fits him so well, is that when he came into the MMA scene, he didn’t just start small and build over the years to become great. BJ Penn burst onto the scene with knockouts and submissions. He attained a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in three years, a feat that takes others three times as long in many cases.

He won the UFC Lightweight Championship less than a year after fighting professionally and entering the UFC as well. His initial success after such a short time is the reason why “The Prodigy” is fitting for him, and is the name he has consistently lived up to. He may be at the cusp of his MMA career, but his life’s work has shown what some raw talent can spawn. 

No. 1: Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson

Demetrious Johnson is one of the most well-known smaller fighters, and most certainly one of the most popular bantamweights of all time. When Bruce Buffer announces Demterious, the nickname “Mighty Mouse” rings loud and faithful to his persona. Johnson is a scrappy little fighter with more heart than you could fit in a Brock Lesnar rib cage, and always brings an exciting fight to the fans. He has great striking and submissions, and more strength than you would think could be generated from his 5’3’’ stature.

He has only lost twice, with both being decisions. His decision fights are not boring ones either. He posed one of the most difficult challenges to champ Dominick Cruz in their bout in October, and despite losing the decision, many didn’t see Johnson as a loser of that fight, but a winner in his own regard.

The UFC has now announced the Flyweight division, a 125 lbs weight class where Demetrious Johnson probably should have been all along. He will take place in a “four-man tournament” style setup to determine the first UFC Flyweight Champion. At a lighter weight, who knows how much more fast and exciting he will be? One thing is for sure, he has, and always will live up to the nickname “Mighty Mouse.”