The Soundtrack to UFC on Fox 5

On Saturday night the fighters of UFC on Fox 5 showcased their love of everything from Tupac to Rage Against the Machine to a walkout song with a lot of meaning to the UFC lightweight champion.

These are the songs that make up the soundtrack to UFC on Fox 5 with each fighter’s walkout song:

Benson Henderson – “Awesome God” by R-Swift

This has been the champion’s walkout tune for a few fights now, and it goes along well with the dedication he shows in every fight to his spiritual side. The rap track actually features a sample from Rich Mullins’ 1988 track of the same name, which has been a popular tune re-recorded by numerous Christian artists over the years

Nate Diaz – “I’m a Souljah” by Tupac (remixed by DJ Scholar)

Diaz picked a remixed Tupac Shakur for his walkout track. The younger Diaz brother went the hip-hop route while his older brother Nick routinely walks out to popular metal band, the Deftones for most of his walkouts.

Alexander Gustafsson – “Heart’s On Fire” by John Cafferty

It’s not unusual for a fighter to choose a track from the boxing series “Rocky” for their walkout music, but Gustafsson goes away from the norm by picking a track that’s not the theme from Rocky or Survivor’s hit song “Eye of the Tiger”. Nice choice here from the Swede

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua – “Young Blood” by The Naked and Famous

This has been the former Pride Grand Prix champion’s walkout song for at least his last two fights. The poppy-indie rock tune definitely carries a dance quality to it, although it speaks to young love, making mistakes and forgiveness. Not sure how or if it even relates back to Shogun, but it sure is catchy.

B.J. Penn – “Hawai’i ’78 Introduction” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

B.J. Penn has used this song for many fights, and it all makes perfect sense because he represents Hawaii in each and every way when he steps into the Octagon. If you’ve never had the pleasure of sitting in a live arena when Penn walks out to this track, you are truly missing out on something magical.

Rory MacDonald – “Lightwork” by Lupe Fiasco feat. Ellie Goulding and Bassnectar

There’s something about the song “Lights” by Ellie Goulding because this is about the 3rd or 4th time in just a few UFC events where a fighter has used some version of that track for their entrance music. This time MacDonald chooses the Lupe Fiasco sampled version for his walkout. Although, some in attendance had to be waiting for “Hip to Be Square” by Huey Lewis and the News to hit the speakers. (Check out Urijah Faber’s Twitter to fully understand that one)

Matt Brown – “Renegades of Funk” by Rage Against the Machine

In the world of MMA, Rage Against the Machine are the metal version of what Eminem is to hip-hop for fighters stepping into the cage. Rarely does an event go by without at least one Rage track getting played, and this time it’s Matt Brown who chooses the track “Renegades of Funk” for his walkout.

Mike Swick – “Ambitionz as a Ridah” by Tupac

From the 1996 classic double album “All Eyez on Me” by Tupac, which is regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time, “Ambitionz as a Ridah” opens the entire cd and it’s also served as Mike Swick’s walkout song for years. What else needs to be said? It’s Tupac, nuff said.

UFC ON FOX 5 PRELIMINARY FIGHTER WALKOUT SONGS:

Yves Edwards – “I’m Bad” by LL Cool J
Jeremy Stephens – “Testify” by Rage Against the Machine
Mike Easton – “Jock It In” by Chuck Brown
Raphael Assuncao – “One Day” by Matisyahu
Joe Proctor – “Bleed It Out” by Linkin Park
Ramsey Nijem – “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore
Daron Cruickshank – “Real American” by Rick Derringer
Henry Martinez – “Some Nights” by Fun
Dennis Siver – “Last Resort” by Papa Roach
Nam Phan – “In the Dark” by Tiesto
Abel Trujillo – “Boss” by Rick Ross
Marcus LeVesseur – “Why Stop Now” (Remix) by Busta Rhymes
Scott Jorgensen – “Alive” by Kid Cudi
John Albert – “Gangnam Style” by PSY

(special thanks to Lewis Harrison @LJH2402 for help with the walkout songs)