Alex Pereira has grow to be simply as identified for his post-fight “emoting,” as he’s for his knockouts. This sort of celebration has grow to be synonymous with him because the fighter. He’s not the primary man to have a singular post-fight ritual—there’s a protracted historical past of fighters within the UFC utilizing their celebrations not simply to specific individuality, however to construct their model.
Something an athlete can do to face out is useful to their promotion. Whether or not it’s a definite coiffure, recognizable tattoos, or, again within the days of quick sponsorships, a singular colour design (one thing the UFC has reintroduced considerably up to now yr or two), these parts assist fighters carve out an identification.
Let’s check out fighters whose celebrations—or “emotes”—turned simply as iconic as they had been
From Grave Diggers to Stomach Rubs : UFC Celebrations That Caught
The “Grave Digger” celebration by former champion Tito Ortiz was one of many earliest iconic post-fight emotes in UFC historical past. After securing a win, Tito would mime digging a grave with an imaginary shovel, dragging his vanquished opponent into it, after which overlaying the grave with grime—all whereas mendacity on the mat. This over-the-top show completely matched his “Huntington Seashore Dangerous Boy” persona, and as a child from Southern California, it was the best factor I had ever seen.
Chuck Liddell, one other former gentle heavyweight champion, turned identified for his wild post-KO celebrations. He’d dash across the Octagon like a person possessed, arms extensive open, screaming into the group. That second of chaos turned the anticipated punctuation mark to any Chuck knockout throughout his reign of terror.
Justin Gaethje, win or lose, usually climbs to the highest of the cage and throws a backflip—typically crashing on the touchdown after a brutal warfare contained in the Octagon. It’s reckless, dramatic, and pure Gaethje.
Roy “Big Country” Nelson had a extra comedic strategy—after touchdown considered one of his trademark overhand rights, or a crucifix. He’d casually rub his massive stomach, taking part in into his unorthodox picture.
Then there’s Derrick Lewis, the all-time UFC knockout chief, whose post-fight celebrations are as memorable because the knockouts themselves. Whether or not it’s pounding his chest, collapsing right into a seated slide throughout the Octagon flooring, or delivering a hilarious post-fight interview, Lewis has turned his celebrations right into a signature a part of his model.
