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SteemSports Editor:
"To know what life is worth you have to risk it once in a while." - Jean-Paul Sartre
I'm a life long martial arts fans! I've seen the most dreadfully boring fights in existence, and I've seen the most ruthless finishes the cage can offer. A lot of fights are run of the mill slug fests with a tug of war between two fighters, but only a few men have been able to create, and partake in true BARN BURNERS. I will give you a list of four men, as three is too little, and five is too cliche... The are the true Horsemen, the true DoomBringers!
In terms of brawler, I am speaking of men whom throw health and care out the window, and attempt to destroy with brazen and wild tactics. These are fighters who time and time again threw gameplans out the window to sacrifice their blood for something greater...let's get started!
#4: Diego 'LionHeart' Sanchez:
Formerly the Nightmare, and the Dream, the first season winner of the Ultimate Fighter is a perennial brawler at lightweight. Any man fighting Diego Sanchez is fully aware the of the demon that lurks inside. A few good shots to the noggin and Diego sets in place, he needs to feel the violence to tap into his true fighting spirit. Reminiscent of Gatti in terms of fearlessness, Diego is unafraid to engage on the feet or the ground. When he was much younger, he packed on hell of a wallop, and is still considered one of the greatest lightweights of all time. Wins over former champions in Florian and main stay superstars like Nick Diaz have made Sanchez an icon, and a truly under rated veteran.
Best Brawl: Diego Sanchez vs. Gilbert Melendez
#3: Chuck 'The Iceman' Liddell:
My personal favorite fighter of all time, the man whom introduced me to violence. A magnificent college wrestler turned brawler made the UFC what it is today, he was the first mixed martial arts superstar whom people still remember and appreciate. His heated fights with Tito Ortiz put him on the map as one of the hardest men to take down, and one of the hardest hitters of his era...period. Finishes over Randy Couture, Renato Sobral, Tito Ortiz proved him to be the best of his time. A war with Wanderlei settled the skill gap between PRIDE and the UFC organizations, Liddell helped bring about a new age of 'mma'. He was glorious in his prime, and he never backed down from a gun fight. He always beckoned a brawl, and he always got one!
Best Brawl: Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva
#2: Wanderlei 'The Axe Murderer' Silva:
If his moniker wasn't enough to tell, Silva is the epitome of violence. Each clash with this man is guaranteed fireworks, and absolute savagery. Wandy could have easily taken first on this list, but the top two are so close in demeanor it doesn't really matter. Wanderlei is the man you want to be your bodyguard, and your friend. His snapping hooks and vicious intent made him the most violent creature of the PRIDE era, and he was one of the most feared. His hefty power and fearlessness in getting hit made him champion material, and a legacy fighter to say the least. Wandy's spectacle of violence was always more appreciated in Japan, but his will has been felt all around the world. Every single fight this man has taken part in has something special about it...nothing too technical, nothing we haven't seen before, but he employs danger and spirit at every turn. A real brawling legend!
Best Brawl: Wanderlei SIlva vs. Brian Stann
#1: Chris 'The Crippler' Leben:
The destroyer Chris Leben! This man came on to the scene in the mid 2000s as an Ultimate Fighters contest, and all around mad man. His demeanor was that of a man who didn't really care about getting punched in the face, he only wanted to crush the opponent in any way he could. His youth and moxie gave him the drive to conquer just about all middleweight contenders of his day. He was never able to conquer the championship title, nor the elite fighters of his day, but any man willing to brawl with Leben would hands down be finished. He was a an absolute force, and only age slowed him down. Every damn fight this was in was an absolute burner, he threw fists as hammers in that cage and was not happy until the other guy went down. His entire career is a highlight of blood and madness, the Crippler was the real deal!
Best Brawl: Chris Leben vs. Yoshihiro Akyiyama
Honorable Mentions: Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, Andrei 'Pitbull' Arlovski