Lets face it, nothing helps set the tone of a prize-fight like a good ring entrance.
Sometimes, the stars even align and the perfect marriage of music, atmosphere and fighter persona create moments that are never forgotten.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the darker and more unforgettable walk-in moments in the history of combat sports.
6) Brock Lesnar, UFC 121, 2010
Brock Lesnar’s mixed martial arts career may have never seen its full potential, but there is little doubt that his very presence saw to some of the most electrifying moments in the history of the sport. There was nothing quite like seeing the big man himself emerge in front of the fans to Metallica’s Enter Sandman.
He even pushed a police officer out of harm’s way after he crossed his path on the way to the Octagon at UFC 121.
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5) Ben Rothwell vs. Josh Barnett, 2016
Ben Rothwell has been on a tear lately and his evolution as a fighter has also brought forth the evolution of his ring persona. Rothwell’s unique choice in orchestrated music and his new diabolical villain persona have helped cement him as a certified badass.
He actually wanted to walk out with a cape and mask but was denied due to a deal that the UFC has enforced to make fighters appear exclusively in Reebok apparel.
4) Buakaw Banchamek vs. Mauro Serra, 2012
The Thai know how to do it right. The entrances of their Muay Thai superstars are often grandiose— illuminated by light shows and firework displays. Hailed as the King of Muay Thai, Buakaw indeed got the royal treatment for his entrance at Thai Fight 2012.
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3) Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks, 1988
If you have watched any early Mike Tyson fights, you already know that he’s the sh*t and perhaps the most feared fighter of all time. In his heyday, he epitomized the very definition of an aura of invincibility and struck fear into the hearts of his prey.
Michael Spinks was rumored to have been so scared before their fight that he was stalling to leave his dressing room.
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2) Fedor Emelianenko vs. Mark Hunt, 2006
Watching the stone-faced Russian walk towards the ring during his tenure at Pride always felt very Ivan Drago-esque. Not only was he undefeated at the time, and Russian, but also his choice in music was worthy of his status as an emperor.
Era’s Enae Volare Mezzo was his song of choice and he gets bonus points for his entrance against Hunt for sporting a sweet looking red Sambo gi.
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1) Mike Tyson vs. Francois Botha, 1999
Yes, Mike Tyson has earned two spots on this list and this one is the biggie— or more appropriately, DMX. Tyson was a bit past his prime at this point, but that didn’t matter because he stopped the entire arena dead in its tracks when he took to the ring with DMX’s Intro blazing his trail.
It was like the Grim Reaper himself was coming for Botha that night. As it happened, Botha was stopped by way of one of the most vicious KO’s in Tyson’s illustrious career.
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