Nothing raises the hairs on your back more than a walkout entrance in combat sports. From WWE, boxing and MMA nothing compares to the thrill and excitement a walkout tune provides to the combat sports community. But enough of the chit-chat — let’s get to my top five UFC walkout songs.
Honorable mentions: Joanna Jedrzejczyk: “Dream On” by Aerosmith, Darren Till: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, Ronda Rousey: “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett.
- Jorge Masvidal, “Tony’s Theme” from “Scarface” by Giorgio Moroder
This list begins with Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal, who was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Masvidal captivates everything one would picture from the crime/drama movie “Scarface”: He’s Cuban, witty and a straight-up killer from the “Sin City”. Masvidal’s fascination with “Scarface” was on full display at UFC 244 where he was fitted with a white and red suit, paying homage to Tony Montana. “Tony’s Theme” is the only walkout song fit for Masvidal as the sinister melody matches the equal violence he rings upon opponents. There’s a reason why this man holds the BMF belt (baddest motherf—), and his song is just the icing on the cake.
- Colby Covington, “Medal” by Jim Johnston (Kurt Angle theme)
For UFC fans, the next name might make you cringe or burst in a full-on all-American persona reminiscent of a 4th of July somewhere in Texas. Now, nothing screams nationalism and American pride more than Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington and his walkout theme “Medal,” which is the theme of former American Olympic gold medalist and WWE competitor, Kurt Angle. Covington’s walkouts never get old and the chants of “you suck” from the crowd as he enters the arena are guaranteed goosebumps for any fan or hater of Covington. With one of the most controversial personalities in the game, “Medal” was made for Covington.
- Tony Ferguson, “The Party has Just Begun” by Freestyle
Fan favorite Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson has the walkout theme to make your momma and poppa get out of their seats and start grooving to the beat. Ferguson, who’s been one of the most unorthodox fighters to ever hit the octagon, compliments his funky style with a funky walkout song, “The Party has Just Begun”. Ferguson brings a type of enigma to the octagon that only a few entertainers can bring to an atmosphere, and his walkout song just adds to the character of ‘El Cucuy’. He’s a man few will ever understand, but his theme is something all can enjoy and groove with. Don’t bother trying to understand Tony, just understand “The Party has Just Begun.”
- Conor McGregor, Sinead O’Connor’s “Foggy Dew” and Notorious B.I.G remix “Hypnotize”
In the words of UFC commentator Jon Anik, “There are few things in all of professional sports as dramatic, as intense, as special as a Conor McGregor walk.” ‘The Notorious’ McGregor is undoubtedly the most electrifying spectacle in UFC history and it’s only right his walkout song includes the Notorious B.I.G. The former simultaneous two-division champion honors his Irish roots with the intro to the walkout starting off with Sinead O’Connor singing gracefully, but smoothly transitioning “Hypnotize” as the crowd erupts in magnetic bursts of energy. The two songs are great selections, but McGregor’s walkout is the stuff of legends that’s carried by his never-disappointing performances in and out of the octagon. Long live the ‘Notorious’ McGregor.
- The Korean Zombie, “Zombie” by The Cranberries
This number one spot is reserved for non-casual UFC fans. Yes, The Korean Zombie, Chan Sung Jung, has the greatest walkout in UFC history. “Zombie,” of course, goes hand and hand with Chan Sung Jung’s nickname ‘The Korean Zombie’. Jung earned his nickname from his constant pressure forward, taking strikes and absorbing them in a zombie-like fashion. Jung has become a fan favorite through his pressure and unique finishing ability, plus he has one of the best head-banger songs in all of combat sports. The song was inspired by the IRA bombing in Warrington, Cheshire, England in 1993. Nevertheless, it’s vital to note Jung’s history includes a two-year hiatus from the UFC for mandatory military service to his native South Korea. Regardless of how you feel about Jung, when the tune of “Zombie” comes on, there’s only one thing to expect: full-on violence at the hands of ‘The Korean Zombie’.
Finally, I’d strongly encourage any fan of sports to watch the listed walkouts. Take my word for it — you might just end up knocking out five pushups as a result of the serotonin flowing through your gills.
