What makes MMA such a great sport? Exciting fights? Tough athletes? Touching stories? Shocking moments? This writer would argue all of that is part of what makes MMA the most amazing sport on the planet. There’s something inherently badass about the sport of MMA. Something that only the sport of mixed martial arts can embody. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so without further ado, check out the 7 most badass pictures in MMA history. Badassness guaranteed.
7) The Stockton Slap
UFC fighters Nate and Nick Diaz are known for being among the most entertaining fighters in and out of the cage but are NOT known as usual givers of f**ks. The Diaz Brothers love to taunt their foes in the cage to mess with them, and out of all the tools available to do so they opt quite often for the so-called ‘Stockton Slap’. Even Conor McGregor had no choice but to find himself on the receiving end of the 209-trademarked slap.
6) Wanderlei Silva dismantles ‘Rampage’
If you have never seen the fights between MMA legends Wanderlei Silva and ‘Rampage’ Jackson’ I urge you to do so. Quickly. In fact, those two put on 3 of the most violent fights ever. The picture above is the aftermath of their first confrontation back in 2004 at PRIDE 28.
5) Fedor puts Andrei Arlovski to sleep
MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko faced former UFC champ Andrei Arlovski back in 2009. Outclassed on the feet in the first round, Fedor came back with a monstrous overhand right that sent Arlovski unconscious to the canvas. Fedor then proceeded to casually walk away from what looked like a crime scene, resulting in one of the most badass MMA photos ever taken.
4) Mark Hunt and ‘Bigfoot’ Silva go to war
UFC heavyweights Mark Hunt and ‘Bigfoot’ Silva went toe-to-toe against each other back in December of 2013 in what remains one of the most savage and entertaining MMA fights ever. Seriously, if you’ve never seen this fight just have a look at the picture of Hunt’s elbow crushing Bigfoot’s face and tell yourself the fight is basically non-stop violence for 25 minutes.
3) Jeff Monson vs the police
What looks like a Ken Loach movie poster is actually a picture of socialist/anarchist/Heavyweight fighter Jeff Monson facing police outside the Target Center during the Republican National Convention back in 2008. Everything about this picture, from Monson’s neck tattoo to the line-up of cops ready to intervene at any moment, screams ‘badass’.
2) Carlos Condit loves blood
UFC Welterweight Carlos Condit is among the most durable and entertaining fighters out there. This picture of him embodies what MMA is about; no matter how hurt, how tired, or how discouraged they are, those willing to step in the cage don’t complain, and even enjoy getting through pain in order to fulfill their dreams. This is some mental toughness right here.
1) Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald don’t want to stop fighting
UFC Welterweight champ Robbie Lawler put his title on line against Rory MacDonald back at UFC 189 and let me tell you right away, it is one of the most violent and amazing fights, ever. Both men were badly battered at the end of the fourth round but yet wouldn’t have been against continue fighting after the bell, as this now-classic picture proves. If you have never seen this legendary fight, check it out below!
