Identity is one of the most important traits to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters across the sport. This is because promotions and fans need an exciting reason to watch or even buy a fight. There are many different character types in MMA that shape not only an event in general, but the sport as a whole.
There are guys like Conor McGregor who are very flashy and has a knack for catchy one-liners in press conferences; some fans love him and some fans hate him, but all fans of the sport love to see him fight. There are also guys like Stipe Miocic, who has embraced the blue collar reputation of hard work without being much of a verbal fighter.
And last but not least, there are the villians of the fight game, who fans watch in hopes that they lose. These characters are normally raw, rude, and obnoxious to their opponents and media members. With that being said, let’s check out the 5 most hated fighters in MMA history.
#5 Tito Ortiz
The Legendary Tito Ortiz was one of the first villains in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Ortiz was considered one of the original trash talkers in MMA and his fighting definitely backed him up. His charisma paved the way for him to become one of the early stars of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Since then the UFC has expanded, more stars have formed and Ortiz has cemented his name in the UFC Hall of Fame. Ortiz was hated by people for many reasons, such as his blond dyed hair, the pre-fight beanie, and the large shades.
Ortiz didn't make himself anymore likable after he bailed on a fight against UFC Executive Dana White. The two were scheduled to compete in a three-round boxing match in which Ortiz failed to show up for the weigh-ins.
More MMA fans gravitated towards Chuck Liddell after he defeated Ortiz twice. At one time, Ortiz went on a brutal losing streak and many questioned his love for the sport because he was involved in so much outside of the octagon.
Since then, Ortiz has picked up a new positive following with Bellator as he was recently victorious January 21, 2017, where he defeated Chael Sonnen in his farewell retirement fight.
#4 Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz is considered one the most hated fighters in the sport but is highly respected by most in the fight game. Diaz became an MMA fighter in 2001 when he was 18 years of age. Diaz's career started great considering the fact that in 2nd career MMA fight, he won the welterweight title his promotion.
He is a 3rd-degree jiu-jitsu black belt and he has relied on that skill set heavily, to pave his way up through the MMA ranks. The reason Nick Diaz is hated was his ability to put fear into journalists, as he made several controversial threats during and after interviews.
He got accustomed to addressing opponents and members of the media with foul language and rude gestures, which can warrant individuals to hate him. Diaz also has a younger brother by the name of Nate Diaz who shares a similar reputation.
The Diaz legacy still lives on in UFC currently as Nick Diaz has just been cleared to fight again from his two-year suspension.
#3 Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen began his career in 1997 at the age of 19. Sonnen is one of the most hated/popular fighters in the sport of UFC for his well-known antics and punch lines in pre-fight press conferences. Sonnen is another fighter that annoys MMA fans.
Many MMA fans did not like Sonnen for his disrespect towards opponents because he would sometimes cross a personal barrier that shouldn't be crossed. Sonnen made nasty comments about Tito Ortiz’s ex-girlfriend in the Bellator 170 press conference that sparked a boatload of controversy.
This did not sit well with the MMA world because bringing in an opponents' family into trash talk before a fight is frowned upon. Some feel Sonnen runs his mouth to gain attention, which may be true but he can definitely sell a fight.
In many eyes, he is one of the greatest trash talkers in fight game history. Another reason why he is hated is because he embraces being a villain, calling himself “American Gangster.” Sonnen may as well be a gangster; he plead guilty to money laundering and was suspended from UFC consequently.
Sonnen embraces his character and his not afraid of being looked at in a negative light. Sonnen recently made his Bellator debut against Ortiz in which he lost via submission in the first round.
#2 Ronda Rousey
Call her a Diva or just flat out a B%*^h!. Ronda Rousey is loved and hated by millions across the globe. Rousey became the first woman to earn an Olympic medal in judo before beginning her legacy in MMA. As her craft focused on judo, Ronda was able to transition that fighting base into the Octagon.
Rousey's record is 12- 2 in which 9 of those victories were by submission. Rousey showed her toughness with an attitude towards an opponent in every interview, or press conference. Rousey also called out Floyd Mayweather stating that she would beat him up.
This later backfired on Rousey as she was dropped via head-kick by Holly Holm. Later her fans started to back off of claims as her being the baddest woman on the planet and the questions began to rise. After suffering her first defeat, Rousey went on a one-year hiatus away from the spotlight; fans and the MMA family did not take this well because fans feel she didn't handle her loss like a true champion.
Her next fight came against the "Lioness" Amanda Nunes in which she suffered one of the worst losses in UFC history. Now, Rousey is on another hiatus and no one knows when she will come out and face the music again.
#1 Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar made his WWF television debut on March 18, 2002, where he became one of the young phenoms in the sport. At the age of 25, Brock Lesnar became the youngest to the WWE champion while assuming the villain role in the company.
Lesnar was like no other as his physique separated him from other WWE superstars and became attractive to a fan base. In 2008 Lesnar made the transition from the WWE to UFC in the heavyweight division.
Lesnar immediately became most hyped UFC fighter in the history of the sport, which rubbed some long-time MMA fans and fighters the wrong way. Lesnar made his MMA debut in UFC 81 vs Frank Mir were lost via armbar.
Lesnar's MMA career was more predicated on popularity instead of skill which attributed to him becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion. Some fighter envied his success in the promotion but things began to change when he started failing drug tests.
He recently got popped for his second failed test after his latest victory over Mark Hunt at UFC 200, which was changed to a No contest result. This validated many doubters thoughts of how much of a fraud he is after the results of his test were finalized. No one knows what's next for the former UFC Heavyweight Champion.
But as he said, “I’m a jacked up white boy – deal with it!”
