5 MMA fighters who follow the Bushido code in real life

MMA is a brazen and unforgiving sport. It is a display of incredible skill and athletics, as well as a test of the human spirit. However, one can’t deny the sport’s penchant for theatrics and the downright obscene, which has become all too common in the modern era of martial arts.

Fighters like Conor McGregor, Colby Covington and many more before them have popularized trash-talk and the art of fight promotion. The theatrics have become a part of the game and fighters understand that in order to make more money, more people have to be talking about them.

However, not all MMA fighters like to talk trash and disrespect their opponents. Some live by the Bushido code, the true way of martial arts.

Bushido or “the way of the warrior” is a moral and ethical code that originates from the time of the Samurai, which dictated the way one should act and behave. The Samurai were known to be honorable warriors, with values such as honor, honesty, loyalty, respect, mercy, courage and justice, among others.

These values and philosophies have carried on through to modern day martial arts, and there are some fighters today who live by it.

Here are five MMA fighters who follow the Bushido code in real life.

#5. Alain ‘The Panther’ Ngalani (MMA: 4-6, ONE Championship)

At first glance, Alain ‘The Panther’ Ngalani is one of the scariest fighters around. He’s an inch shy of being six feet tall, weighs 230 pounds and is ripped beyond belief. His neck is wider than the average man’s thighs. Furthermore, Ngalani is incredibly skilful and athletic as a fighter.

In MMA competition, he has four wins, with three knockouts to his name. Before that, Ngalani was a heavyweight kickboxing world champion known for his lethal striking. He now plies his trade in ONE Championship.

However, Ngalani is also one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet in ONE Championship. He’s soft-spoken and a genuine individual who exudes honor and respect. You’ll never catch Ngalani trash-talking any opponent and he’s usually positive and upbeat, even during fight week.

#4. Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson (MMA: 16-5, UFC)

If there was ever an award for “The Nicest Guy in MMA,” Stephen Thompson would win it, without a doubt. In fact, 'Wonderboy' would have close to zero competition.

Thompson is a former undefeated kickboxer with a 58-0 record. He has a litany of world titles and accolades under his belt. This makes him, hands down, one of the most accomplished strikers in MMA history.

He transitioned to MMA in 2010 and has since enjoyed a fantastic career. To top it all off, he’s been a part of the upper echelon of UFC welterweights for a long time.

Thompson is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. But how could someone so incredibly skilled as a fighter be so nice? It probably has something to do with his southern upbringing.

Thompson is genuinely one of the nicest athletes in all of combat sports, and if you aren’t convinced, he has a YouTube channel that gives fans an inside look into his life.

#3. Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson (MMA: 30-4, ONE Championship)

Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. In many circles, fans call him the greatest of all time. Of course, his otherworldly skills, smooth wrestling transitions, and excellent overall game have a lot to do with that.

But at the same time, Johnson also carries himself as an upstanding professional athlete with a lot of class. He’s a role model in every sense of the world.

In fact, Johnson is so nice, that he’s had difficulty creating interest in his fights. While other fighters, without conscience, talk trash about their opponents and stir up drama, Johnson just goes in there and treats the fight game like it’s all business.

Johnson signed with ONE Championship in 2019 because his personal and professional values aligned with that of the Asian martial arts organization. Johnson has always been about the respect, honor, and integrity of martial arts, which makes him a perfect fit at ONE.

#2. Georges St-Pierre (MMA: 26-2, UFC)

Another fighter on this list that embodies the true martial arts values and the Bushido spirit is legendary MMA fighter Georges St-Pierre. Like Johnson, the former UFC welterweight champion is one of the most honorable fighters in the history of MMA.

St-Pierre conducted himself with dignity and class inside the MMA cage, and rarely engaged in disrespectful banter with opponents, even if they prodded and pushed him to try and elicit a reaction. St-Pierre always kept it cool, calm, and collected.

There was never any real bad blood with any of his opponents throughout his MMA career, and he is without a doubt one of the best to ever don the 4-ounce gloves.

That’s not surprising for a guy who picked up martial arts in the first place to protect himself against childhood bullies. St-Pierre learned self-defense as a child, and also learned how to hone his strengths the proper way.

#1. ‘Super’ Sage Northcutt (MMA: 11-3, ONE Championship)

If Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson takes the prize for “Nicest Guy in MMA,” then ‘Super’ Sage Northcutt wins “Nicest Guy in All of Combat Sports.” In fact, he probably rivals Tim Tebow as the nicest athlete of all time.

Of course, his values emanate from his traditional shuri-ryū karate training, which was instilled in him by his father.

Northcutt addresses people as mister or miss, always has a smile on his face, and is always soft-spoken. He’s never brash and too overly confident. He’s honest but a little reserved.

Northcutt is so nice, it's almost cringe-worthy whenever he speaks. This is most likely why the UFC had a tough time finding the right formula to promote him.

Northcutt is with ONE Championship now, which makes a perfect fit for his personality. Northcutt can be himself and not compromise on his values, but still be that MMA golden boy that he’s destined to be.