As memorable as a great UFC knockout can be, an intense pre-fight staredown can be epic. MMA fighters like Wanderlei Silva, Rampage Jackson, Diego Sanchez, and Clay Guida have perfected the art of the pre-fight MMA staredown. Check out this great video and picture collection of some of the greatest MMA staredowns of all time. The footage comes from Pride Fighting Championship and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
In taking a quick look at the video it is evident who the King of the MMA Staredown is. Wanderlei Silva takes that title as he became one of the true pioneers of the MMA pre-fight staredown. While he didn’t bring his winning percentage with him into the UFC, Wanderlei’s staredowns are still a legendary part of his game. Diego Sanchez is catching up with him, but until he can backup the staredown like Wanderlei did back in his prime, Sanchez will be seen as an imitator and not a duplicator.
Rampage Jackson is another MMA fighter who owns the staredown. Jackson’s staredowns with Wanderlei both in the weigh-in and pre-fight rules before their UFC match is arguably one of the greatest in UFC history. I can’t even imagine how epic the staredown will be once Rampage and Rashad Evans finally get a chance to fight in the UFC.
Big props to SurferKen for putting the collection together.
Eric is the owner and editor-in-chief of the Camel Clutch Blog. Eric has worked in the pro wrestling industry since 1995 as a ring announcer in ECW and a commentator/host on television, PPV, and home video. Eric also hosted Pro Wrestling Radio on terrestrial radio from 1998-2009. Check out some of Eric's work on his IMDB bio and Wikipedia. Eric has an MBA from Temple University's Fox School of Business.