Knowing the Fighters: Giving Fighters Nicknames

In this article we will explore the strange world of fighter nicknames. From The Last Emperor to Pit Bull a fighter identifies himself by the nickname we attach to them. Some make sense, like Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and Joey 'The Mexicutioner' Beltran; others like Pat 'HD' Barry or Chuck 'The Iceman' Liddell don't really connect heavy hands or slick submissions to a fighter's identity.

So let's take a look at some of the best fighters in the world that don't have nicknames....and then let's give them one!

Shane Carwin: UFC Heavyweight Contender

Shane is a punching phenom, he has the heaviest hands in the UFC and has no problem knocking out the greatest fighters in the world. He most recently lost to Brock Lesnar and is now expected to face Jon Olav Einemo.

So....what do we call him?

Shane 'Right to Bear Arms' Carwin. With heavy hands like his, a law should be passed to protect the weak.

Brock Lesnar: Former Champ and Superstar

What can I say about Brock? He is one of the most powerful personalities in the business and draws more pay-per-view buys than any other fighter in the UFC. Though inexperienced, he always draws a crowd and even held the Heavyweight Championship belt for 2 years.

So....what do we call him?

Brock 'The Guy that Cuts in Line at the Supermarket' Lesnar. After 3 fights and a record of 2-1, Lesnar didn't earn the title shot (but ultimately, he won). 'Scary as Hell' would also be an acceptable nickname.

Forrest Griffin: TUF 1 Winner and Punching Bag for Anderson Silva

Forrest Griffin is one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC and a former Light Heavyweight Champion, but two things are unfortunate in his case. First, he got tooled like an orphan on Christmas by Anderson Silva and secondly, he has no nickname.

So....what do we call him?

Forrest 'Speedbag' Griffin. I love you Forrest, but Anderson Griffin made you look like a piece of shoddy gym equipment.

Demian Maia: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Wizard

Demian Maia is the best jiu jitsu practitioner in all of MMA. He has competed at the highest level in both jiu jitsu and MMA; even earning a title shot against Anderson Silva.

So....what do we call him?

Demian 'The Brazilian Snake' Maia. For a guy that can wrap a guy up or suffocate them like an anaconda, Maia gets this corny moniker.

Chael Sonnen: Olympic Wrestler and #2 Middleweight

Chael Sonnen has faced allegations of steroids and has been convicted of Mortgage Fraud. he is also famously intolerant of other cultures and says some of the most unusal things in pre and post-fight interviews. He also brings a world of hurt on anyone that stands in his way.

So....what do we call him?

Chael 'American Hero' Sonnen. That is all.

The Diaz Brothers: Posers and Trash-Talkers

Nick Diaz is one of the best fighters in the world, Nate Diaz is not. They start brawls, talk trash and act like thugs. They wear baggy jeans, hooded sweaters and shoes with bright colors on them. Unfortunately for them, the one thing they don't have is nicknames!

So....what do we call them?

Nick 'Vanilla Ice' Diaz

Nate 'Vanilla Ice's Little Brother' Diaz

I will leave it at that for now, but if anyone can add an interesting or funny nickname, please e-mail it to mmapredicts@live.ca