5 Weirdest nicknames used by UFC fighters

UFC fighters are known for many things. They are widely recognized as some of the greatest fighters in the world and are frequently ranked among the globe's toughest athletes. But they are also known for being colorful personalities, with the most colorful being the likes of Colby Covington and Conor McGregor.

Oftentimes, fighters express themselves in many ways. Some of them use trash talk to introduce the world to their larger-than-life personalities. Both 'Chaos' and 'The Notorious' use verbal barrages against their opponents while peacocking in inimitable suits. But UFC fighters also use other means of expressing themselves.

Countless mixed martial artists have nicknames that represent something to them. Unfortunately, not every nickname is wise. Some are questionable, while others are downright bizarre. This list looks at some of the weirdest nicknames in the promotion's history.

#5. Kevin Burns, former UFC welterweight

Kevin Burns is a retired mixed martial artist who spent most of his career in the regional MMA scene. Despite his poor record now, the 43-year-old was once a 7-1 fighter with a win over late two-time UFC title challenger Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson.

Do you remember one of the p4p greatest nicknames, Kevin "The Fire" Burns? https://t.co/l5FVNzn333

Unfortunately, the win came via eye poke and Burns lost the subsequent rematch. He eventually retired as a 12-7 fighter, but what he's most remembered for are not his exploits in the cage. Instead, he is best known for his bizarre nickname, which is a play on his surname—Burns.

As a fighter, he was known as Kevin 'The Fire' Burns, marking one of the weirdest aliases that a fighter under Dana White's banner ever had.

#4. Andre Fili, UFC featherweight

Longtime featherweight Andre Fili is a staple in the promotion's 145 lbs weight class. He has spent most of his career fighting under Dana White's banner. While he is no longer ranked in the featherweight division, the Team Alpha Male member has significant staying power as he has been in the UFC for nearly 10 years.

By split decision... ANDRE 'TOUCHY' FILI!

@TouchyFili #UFCCharlotte https://t.co/Qpk2Ohstam

He has fought numerous opponents including former featherweight titleholder Max Holloway and current interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez. The strength of his schedule hasn't always been easy, but he is currently relegated to facing unranked opponents.

While he is a recognizable name, his nickname is perhaps even more recognizable. The 32-year-old is known as Andre 'Touchy' Fili. This is a play on the touchy-feely adjective that characterizes someone as overly emotional in a derogatory manner, which is more than strange for a pro-fighter.

#3. Dakota Bush, former UFC welterweight

The promotion's welterweight division has had a series of interesting characters throughout its history. Fighters like former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington are among the most polarizing figures to compete under Dana White's banner. Unfortunately, not every fighter has had the pleasure of a long tenure.

Welcome to the UFC, Dakota "HAIRY" Bush! #UFCVegas24 https://t.co/fMkdPeRQza

Some fighters come and go despite having unique aspects about themselves. Dakota Bush is one such fighter. He only fought twice in the UFC, losing once via unanimous decision, while his subsequent bout was ruled a TKO loss after he crumbled from a liver shot. He has since found new life in the LFA.

The 28-year-old, however, has one of the most hilarious nicknames in recent memory. Like most fighters on this list, his alias is a play on his surname. He is frequently introduced as Dakota 'Hairy' Bush, an innuendo if there ever was one.

#2. Ryan Bader, former UFC light heavyweight

Ryan Bader was once a top contender in the promotion's 205 lbs weight class. Back in 2011, he was an unbeaten prospect tasked with facing another fighter who never suffered a true defeat inside the octagon: Jon Jones. While there were high hopes for them, no one could have predicted their future.

Ryan Bader and I had fun talking about nicknames. Let him use it for #Bellator268, @BellatorMMA. Come on!

We chatted:

▶Corey Anderson
▶Valentin Moldavsky
▶His career turning point
▶Being "The Master"

And more!

📺Watch: youtu.be/NkK1RdI3WQg https://t.co/k9TYIkv7UT

'Bones' subsequently carved out a legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, with numerous records to his name. Meanwhile, Bader eventually left the promotion to ply his trade in Bellator. He became Scott Coker's two-division champion at 205 lbs and 265 lbs.

Jon Jones matched this accomplishment after he recently defeated Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to capture the promotion's heavyweight throne. While Bader is now known for his 'Darth' alias, he was once known by another nickname that was a humorous innuendo: Ryan 'The Master' Bader.

#1. Jon Jones, UFC heavyweight champion

Jon Jones is one of the most accomplished fighters in history. Aside from his disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in a fight he was winning, the newly-crowned heavyweight kingpin has never tasted defeat inside the octagon. His blend of high-level wrestling, height, and dynamic striking make him all but unbeatable.

This is especially curious given his thin legs, which many reason to be susceptible to low kicks. This is part of the reason behind his nickname, 'Bones'. Prior to being known as 'Bones', however, the former 205 lbs champion was known by another alias that's as uncharacteristic as one can expect.

Oftentimes, low-profile fighters are the ones with bizarre nicknames. This is not the case with Jon Jones, who was once known as 'Sexual Chocolate'. While fans may have forgotten this alias, it remains forever etched in the MMA history books.