The Soundtrack to UFC 175: Weidman vs. Machida - the walkout songs
Usually about a week out from a show, fighters are given the opportunity to select their walkout songs and by no means is it a requirement to use the same selection every time. At UFC 175, however, there were a few tracks chosen that have become as iconic as the fighter they are attached to when walking to the Octagon.
Chris Weidman defined his early run in the UFC with his choice of walkout song, 'I Won't Back Down' from Tom Petty -- a song of defiance recorded in 1988 and released in 1989. The song was recorded in tandem with former Beatles' member George Harrison, and it was featured on Petty's first solo album
The song was also used during President George W. Bush's 2000 election campaign until Petty sent him a cease and desist letter because he didn't want the song being used as an endorsement for the Republican. For Weidman, it's been his consistent walkout song and continues to be one of the most memorable in the UFC.
Key fight lyric: Well I won't back down, no I won't back down. You could stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down.
When it comes to UFC walkout songs, there may not be a more befitting track in the entire organization than Ronda Rousey charging to the cage to the sounds of 'Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
The lyrics are almost a perfect definition of the attitude that makes Rousey one of the most outspoken and popular fighters on the UFC roster. Rousey is her own woman and she's not going to apologize for being herself inside or out of the cage.
Key fight lyric: I don't give a damn bout my bad reputation
Alexis Davis has also been the picture of consistency at least through her last three fights with her choice of the song 'Royals' by Lorde. The 17-year old singer out of New Zealand took over the radio in the last year with her chart toppers including this track. She also just recently performed with the surviving members of Nirvana when they were entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Key fight lyric: Let me be your ruler, you can call me queen bee
Another all time favorite walkout song took place at UFC 175 when Urijah Faber hit the cage to his signature tune 'California Love' by Tupac and Dr. Dre. With a nickname like 'The California Kid' there's probably a good reason why this is Faber's song and probably always will be.
At one point over the last couple of years, Faber considered walking out to another song and UFC officials nixed him from making the move. Faber's walkout is so iconic that he's probably stuck with this tune from now until he retires.
Key fight lyric: From Oakland to Sacktown, the Bay area and back down, Cali is where they put they mack down.
Here's a full list of the walkout songs available from UFC 175: Weidman vs. Machida
Guilherme Vasconcelos out to "Many Men" by 50 Cent
Luke Zachrich to "Lake of Fire" by Nirvana
Rob Font out to "Hell of a Night" by Schoolboy Q
George Roop out to "Amazing" by Kanye West
Chris Camozzi out to "The Baddest Man Alive" by The Black Keys and RZA
Ildemar Alcantara out to "Pump It" by The Black Eyed Peas
Alex Caceres out to "Long Train Runnin" by The Doobie Brothers
Urijah Faber out to "California Love" by Tupac
Russell Doane out to "Out of My Mind" by BoB and Nicki Minaj
Marcus Brimage out to "Country Sh-t" by Big KRIT
Uriah Hall out to "Sun is Shining" by Bob Marley
Alexis Davis out to "Royals" by Lorde
Ronda Rousey out to "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett
Lyoto Machida out to "Jump Around" by House of Pain
Chris Weidman out to "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty
