Author: Dan Hiergesell

25 Most Intimidating Strikers in MMA History

In the past, mixed martial artists have earned the right to intimidate by looking mean, acting mean and performing even meaner.They’ve done so by channeling a certain type of inner beast.  One often depicted in movies such as Beowulf and Cloverfie…

In the past, mixed martial artists have earned the right to intimidate by looking mean, acting mean and performing even meaner.

They’ve done so by channeling a certain type of inner beast.  One often depicted in movies such as Beowulf and Cloverfield.

From bone-splitting punches to chin-smashing kicks, these physically and mentally superior athletes have marked the cage with blood, sweat and destruction for nearly 20 years.

With that said, based completely on intimidation, here are the best of the best when it comes to instilling fear and doubt.

Enjoy.

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Ranking Every MMA Knockout of 2013 So Far

From the UFC to Bellator, World Series of Fighting to amateur Alaskan bouts, the MMA world has witnessed a variety of knockouts thus far in 2013.Whether it was a head kick in the first round or a powerful barrage of punches in the eyes of defeat, diffe…

From the UFC to Bellator, World Series of Fighting to amateur Alaskan bouts, the MMA world has witnessed a variety of knockouts thus far in 2013.

Whether it was a head kick in the first round or a powerful barrage of punches in the eyes of defeat, different fighters have put forth their own effort to provide spine-tingling finishes.

Here are the best knockouts of 2013 so far.  Enjoy.

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UFC 158: What’s Next for Nate Marquardt?

Nate Marquardt did not look like himself Saturday night at UFC 158 opposite the heavy-handed Jake Ellenberger.Sure, Marquardt stepped in for Johny Hendricks who moved up to fight Carlos Condit, but fans expected much more from “The Great” in his Octago…

Nate Marquardt did not look like himself Saturday night at UFC 158 opposite the heavy-handed Jake Ellenberger.

Sure, Marquardt stepped in for Johny Hendricks who moved up to fight Carlos Condit, but fans expected much more from “The Great” in his Octagon return.  He didn’t deliver.

Now, as a 33-year-old veteran riding a two-fight losing streak, Marquardt will be forced to either reinvent his approach to fighting or look for greener grasses

Here are five things the former Strikeforce welterweight champion can do next on the heels of a devastating defeat.

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Georges St-Pierre vs. Johny Hendricks Head-to-Toe Breakdown

In the aftermath of UFC 158, the very two best welterweights in the world are on a crash course to meet sometime later this year.Long-time champion Georges St-Pierre and rising star Johny Hendricks make for a great matchup for one of the most prolific …

In the aftermath of UFC 158, the very two best welterweights in the world are on a crash course to meet sometime later this year.

Long-time champion Georges St-Pierre and rising star Johny Hendricks make for a great matchup for one of the most prolific titles in the sport.

For GSP, knocking off Hendricks will ultimately allow him to leave the division with no unfinished business and make a smooth transition to fight Anderson Silva in 2014.

For Hendricks, a guy who has literally blasted his way up the welterweight ladder, landing one of his infamous left hands could spell disaster for the sport’s most popular athlete.

Here’s how the initial head-to-toe breakdown pans out.  Enjoy.

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UFC 158: Keys to Victory for Nick Diaz

Come Saturday, Nick Diaz will attempt to dethrone one of the most prolific fighters of all time.It’s been a work in progress to actually get him inside the Octagon with UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, but their feud outside of the cage has…

Come Saturday, Nick Diaz will attempt to dethrone one of the most prolific fighters of all time.

It’s been a work in progress to actually get him inside the Octagon with UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, but their feud outside of the cage has manifested itself into an uncontrollable blaze.

Diaz has more or less worked his way into GSP‘s head, making the champ more emotional entering a fight than ever before.

Taking that into consideration, it’s understandable how hyped their showdown at UFC 158 is becoming.

Either St-Pierre’s wrestling will stifle the challenger’s elite boxing, or Diaz will put forth the recipe to end a six-year unbeaten streak in one of the UFC’s deepest division, prompting GSP to make a move to middleweight and a run at Anderson Silva.

Here are Diaz‘s keys to victory as he finally gets his chance to prove he’s the best in the world.

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Best Counterpunchers in the UFC

The essence of a good counterpuncher can be summed up with one distinct word: precision.When a fighter hones in on elite marksmanship, blazing technique and an unmatched sense of tranquility, his ability to surpass expectation drastically increases.Cou…

The essence of a good counterpuncher can be summed up with one distinct word: precision.

When a fighter hones in on elite marksmanship, blazing technique and an unmatched sense of tranquility, his ability to surpass expectation drastically increases.

Counterpunching ultimately separates great fighters from consistently potent killers.  It’s what culminates into backs against the cage, spinning heads and badly beaten jaws.

The beneficiaries of such a talent are truly few and far between, but they most certainly exist in today’s sport.

Here are the best counterpunchers in the UFC today. 

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