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The UFC is the home of spectacles when it comes to MMA. Not since PRIDE FC faded from the combat sports landscape has there been a promotion that prioritizes the entertainment value that MMA can offer. But with all that being said, entertainment under the UFC banner comes with certain restrictions.
Among these restrictions are the kinds of entrances that mixed martial artists are allowed to use during their walkouts. The UFC's president and leading authority figure, Dana White, is on record speaking about his dislike for the flashy entrances that some of his fighters favor.
While this has led to some limitations when it comes to the entrances that fighters use for their fights, some of the UFC's athletes have managed to sway upper management to see things their way. Thus, this list compiles five of the best UFC entrances in recent memory.
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#5 Darren Till's walkout at UFC Fight Night 130
A glance at Darren Till's past in the welterweight division will inform any curious minds as to why fans thought they had a star in the making. At the time, he was an undefeated fighter whose brash personality and trash-talking drew comparisons to Conor McGregor.
He was also backed by a rabid fanbase from Liverpool, England. The then 25-year-old could do no wrong in front of his hometown crowd. Before setting foot inside the octagon, 'The Gorilla' made his walkout to his signature song, Sweet Caroline. The entire Echo Arena erupted with raucous approval.
It was a crowd connection that only 'The Notorious' had seen prior. The entire arena was in the palm of Till's hand. They sang along as he strolled towards the cage in a star-making moment unlike any other.
#4 Brian Ortega's walkout at UFC 266
Brian Ortega has had the misfortune of having a stellar entrance only to fail once he has had to deliver inside the octagon. At UFC 266, he was scheduled to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight crown. The familiar sound of horns blaring a warning from the Purge film series engulfed the T-Mobile Arena.
What followed was 'T-City' and his cornermen walking out in LED-lit Purge masks to positive crowd response. While it was a successful entrance, it could not translate to favorable results inside the octagon. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist came up short against 'The Great'.
While Ortega's entrance will live on as part of MMA folklore, it was his second time failing to capture divisional gold.
#3 Israel Adesanya's walkout at UFC 276
The last time that 'The Last Stylebender' successfully defended his middleweight title was against Jared Cannonier. It was Israel Adesanya's fifth title defense and fans were eager to see him follow-through on his promises to put on a show against 'The Killa Gorilla'.
Things started off well when the former champion's entrance commenced. With Vince McMahon in attendance, 'The Last Stylebender' walked out to the Undertaker's theme song. To complete his entrance, he held an urn and wore a hat similar to that of the Undertaker.
Adesanya made his way to the octagon under a soft glow of purple light. While the Nigerian striking specialist emerged victorious against his foe, it was a dull affair that was widely criticized by fans who were expecting the thrilling bout they were promised.
#2 Israel Adesanya's walkout at UFC 243
Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya was once an undefeated phenom in the promotion. A few years ago, he had a spotless record, and the success he achieved as a mixed martial artist culminated in a title win against Robert Whittaker.
At the time, 'The Last Stylebender' was a flashy fighter who was well-known for taking part in highly entertaining bouts. At UFC 243, he held the interim title and was intent on unifying his crown with Robert Whittaker's own by defeating the Australian great. Come fight night, the Nigerian striking specialist delivered.
Three dancers dressed in camo performed the haka before he emerged. Together, they performed an acrobatic dance routine before Adesanya stepped inside the octagon to fulfill his destiny. He punctuated his legendary entrance with a flawless performance by KO'ing Whittaker in the first round to become the 185 lbs kingpin.
#1 Conor McGregor's walkout at UFC 189
UFC 189 was originally planned as Conor McGregor's crowning moment. He was going to challenge the then featherweight king José Aldo for the divisional throne. Unfortunately, a fractured rib forced 'Scarface' to withdraw from the bout. Another divisional standout stepped up to take the Brazilian's place.
Chad Mendes, a power-punching wrestler, faced 'The Notorious' in a thrilling bout that cemented the Irishman's status as the next great MMA star. But before McGregor starched him with a second-round TKO, he walked out to one of the rarest sights in MMA history: a live performance by a renowned artist.
The arena was engulfed in the colors of the Irish flag as Sinéad O'Connor sang The Foggy Dew on an elevated platform before 'The Notorious' walked out with an Irish flag held above his head to the loudest crowd reaction a fighter has ever had.
