Issue 174
December 2018
If those new to MMA were shocked by the aftermath of UFC 229, it’s worth noting that the sport has always had a minority of fighters who have regularly crossed the line.
Rousimar Palhares
The Brazilian has built a reputation for showing little care for his adversaries after holding vicious submissions such as heel hooks – his speciality – in place well after his opponents have tapped several times.
Nick Diaz and Nate Diaz
Nick and Nate Diaz are two of the most beloved fighters in MMA but neither has shied away from confrontation, notably when Nate delivered his trademark, “Stockton Slap” to Conor McGregor.
Conor McGregor
Whether it’s for show or for dough, the self-styled King of MMA has crossed the line more than most fighters. But his antics have generated millions for himself and the sport so don’t expect any change.
Paul Daley
Daley is a KO specialist from the UK, famous for his trash talk. But his inability to dominate, Josh Koscheck led to a ban from the UFC after he hit his opponent from behind when the bout was over.
Gilbert Yvel
Yvel’s street-fighting mentality harks back to his rough upbringing as an orphan in Amsterdam. Biting, gouging, and punching the referee are all on his resume, leading to him regularly being refused a license.
Shinya Aoki
Aoki has received frequent censure for his disrespectful victory celebrations and for causing needless harm to beaten fighters.
He has on more than one occasion broken the arms of opponents.
Gerard Gordeau
Gordeau is another fighter with a reputation for excessive violence. Repeatedly gouging the eye of Yuki Nakai in a Vale Tudo match in Japan left his opponent permanently blinded in one eye.
Jon Jones
The career of a potential GOAT is tarnished by positive PED tests, illegal blows, strikes thrown at weigh-ins and dropping a lifeless Lyoto Machida to the ground and walking away.
...
