In nearly all aspects of life, whether it is competitive, artistic or recreational, confidence in one’s abilities is a positive characteristic. But as confidence grows, it can often veer dangerously towards arrogance and cockiness. And while confidence can help to propel a competitor towards success just as much as self-doubt can help to prevent one’s success, cockiness often leads a person to forget the fundamentals and lose focus on the matter at hand.

When it comes to a person who bolsters their own ego while disregarding their opponent, either verbally or otherwise, there is something in our nature as humans that makes us long to see that person chopped down to size. Whether it’s the flashy arrogance of someone like Floyd Mayweather, whose cockiness didn’t impede his ability to retire undefeated, or someone like Ronda Rousey, whose first defeat was joyously rubbed in her face by fans across all corners of the internet, how a fighter carries them self greatly impacts how spectators will perceive them.

Cockiness is a wager. If you win, the thrill of victory and ego fulfillment may be increased many times over. If you lose, not only may your defeat be celebrated, but you may be openly mocked by all those who have ever rooted against you.

In the dangerous world combat sports, the loss of focus caused by the collision of one’s ego and audacity can lead to a painful and often life-changing reminder that we are all human, and we are all fallible.

So enjoy ten wildly cocky fighters learning a hard lesson about what can happen when you’re more concerned with image projection than you are the fight at hand.

Jeff Warsaw is the former executive editor of Long Island MMA Magazine, professional combat sports public address announcer for several NY/NJ MMA and kickboxing promotions, and a proud one-stripe white belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the famed Joe D’Arce. He is currently a musician, coffee enthusiast and host of the Stranger In A Strange Land podcast on YouTube.