Top 10 Weirdest Fighters in UFC History: Unusual Characters Who Made Their Mark
By Ali Hammad June 04, 2025 09:41
The UFC has always been a melting pot of extraordinary athletes, but some fighters stand out not just for their skills, but for their eccentric personalities, unusual fighting styles, or downright bizarre antics. These are the fighters who broke the mold, leaving fans and opponents alike scratching their heads. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 weirdest fighters in UFC history unusual characters who made their mark in the octagon.
1. Kimo Leopoldo
One of the earliest UFC oddballs, Kimo made a memorable entrance at UFC 3 carrying a massive wooden cross, preceded by teammates holding up Bible verses. His devout Christianity combined with his intense tattoos and aggressive style made him a bizarre but captivating figure. Though he lost to Royce Gracie via armlock, Kimo’s intensity and theatrics left a lasting impression on early MMA fans.
2. Mike Perry
Known as “Platinum,” Mike Perry’s wild lifestyle and unpredictable behavior outside the cage have often overshadowed his fighting career. Perry’s candid interviews, social media rants, and occasional bizarre outbursts have made him one of the UFC’s most colorful and controversial characters. His aggressive brawling style inside the octagon matches his offbeat persona.
3. Matt Mitrione
Before MMA, Mitrione was an NFL player, making his transition to fighting unusual in itself. His awkward yet effective striking and candid personality have made him stand out. Mitrione’s journey from football to fighting is a testament to the diverse backgrounds UFC fighters come from.
4. Genki Sudo
Japanese fighter Genki Sudo was known for his extravagant entrances—often involving dance routines and theatrical flair—and his dynamic grappling style. Dubbed the “Neo Samurai,” Sudo’s blend of showmanship and skill made him a fan favorite and one of the most unique personalities in UFC history.
5. Joe Son
A teammate of Kimo, Joe Son attempted to replicate the cross-carrying entrance but was quickly stopped by the UFC due to his small stature and lack of presence. His short-lived UFC career was marked by bizarre behavior and controversy, cementing his place among the weirdest fighters.
6. Keith Hackney
Famous for his fight against Emmanuel Yarborough at UFC 3, Hackney’s unorthodox style and the infamous groin strike incident made his bout one of the most talked-about odd moments in UFC history. His awkward movements and scrappy style were emblematic of the sport’s early days.
7. Tony Ferguson
“El Cucuy” is known for his unorthodox fighting style and eccentric training methods. His bizarre soundbites and unpredictable in-cage movements have polarized fans and fighters alike. Ferguson’s ability to pull off ridiculous moves while maintaining elite-level performance makes him one of the most unusual yet effective UFC fighters.
8. Michael Page
Before joining the UFC, “MVP” made a name in Bellator with his lanky frame, flashy movement, and showboating style. His eccentric footwork and highlight-reel knockouts, including a flying knee KO that stunned fans, make him one of the most unorthodox and weirdly entertaining fighters in MMA.
9. Cron Gracie
While a master on the mats, Cron Gracie’s conspiracy theories, including questioning the Earth’s shape, have added an unusual layer to his persona. His thoughtful but eccentric interviews have made him a unique figure in the UFC’s grappling-heavy ranks.
10. Chael Sonnen
Known as much for his trash talk as his wrestling, Sonnen’s loudmouth antics and polarizing personality have made him one of the UFC’s most memorable characters. His ability to hype fights with bizarre comments and psychological warfare added an unusual flair to his fighting career.
The UFC’s weirdest fighters prove that MMA is as much about personality as it is about skill. From Kimo’s religious theatrics to Tony Ferguson’s unpredictable style, these fighters brought something different to the sport, making them unforgettable. As Dana White once noted about the colorful characters in the UFC, “They keep the sport interesting.” Their unique quirks and styles have enriched MMA’s tapestry, reminding fans that sometimes the most unusual fighters leave the biggest marks.
This blend of eccentricity and talent continues to define the UFC’s appeal, ensuring that the octagon remains a stage for not just warriors, but unforgettable characters.
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