MMA itself is one of the most hardcore, gritty sports in the world. While rugby, hockey and American football are all physically demanding, the world of MMA is on a different level. The world of mixed martial arts is filled with gladiator type characters with larger than life personalities, insane gym regimens and edgy martial arts gear. What best compliments a fighter with an intimidating physique and a never say die attitude? An awesome nickname! Here are the 10 most bad*ass nicknames in MMA.

10. Martin "Hitman" Kampmann

All around great nickname. Short, intimidating, indicative of his fighting style. Martin Kampmann has viscious striking skills along with a surprisingly effective ground game. Running through his opponents in the UFC this far, it looks like UFC matchmaker Joe Silva might have put a hit out on the UFC Middleweight division.

9. Diego "Nightmare" Sanchez

This great nickname might be to offset his nonconfrontational appearance. Make no doubt about it, Diego is a nightmare to the fighter across the cage from him. Holding a record of 18-2, 7-2 in the UFC's stacked Welterweight division, Sanchez has punished his opponents. An upcoming match with Diego Sanchez is definitely something that would keep most guys up at night.

8. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Nicknamed "Rampage" because of a rambunctious childhood, the UFC's Light Heavyweight champion has been on a rampage since joining the UFC. He is 3-0 in the UFC, knocking out legendary Chuck Liddell. Known for his viscious slams, one of which knocked Ricardo Arona unconscious, he is looking to punish #1 contender Forrest Griffin later this summer.

7. Mark "The Hammer" Coleman

Mark Coleman, a converted college wrestler, is a wiley MMA veteran. He was the first UFC Heavyweight champion and famous for his legendary battles in Pride FC. "The Hammer" is much like the tool: hard to break and delivers punishing blows both by hand and slam.

6. Matt "The Law" Lindland

C'mon, "The Law" just sounds cool. Kind of makes me think of the no nonsense sheriff in a western movie. Although Lindland supposedly got the nickname from a court dispute, the name still describes him perfectly. Western shirts, dip in his mouth and top 10 Middleweight in the world. It should be against the law not to have this guy in the UFC to battle Anderson Silva.

5. Chuck "Iceman" Liddell

One of the most accurate nicknames there is, Chuck Liddell has icewater running through his veins. Coming off of a win over Wanderlei Silva, Chuck has spent the last couple years of his career fighting the best 205ers alive without an ounce of fear or nervous tension. There is even a story that Chuck got into a fight in a back alley in England and knocked out some accomplished mixed martial artists. Word is he fights the same on the street and in the cage.

4. John "War Machine" Koppenhaver

Although Koppenhaver doesn't share the same success as most of the other fighters on the list, his nickname has to be on here. Doesn't get too much better than "War Machine". He has an equally daunting appearance, highlighted by a chisled physique and a grenade tattoo on his neck. His alternate nickname, "Hand Grenade", could also be considered for this list.

3. Carlos "The Natural Born Killer" Condit

Carlos Condit is arguably the best fighter in the WEC. That point can be debated, but the fact that he has the best nickname in World Extreme Cagefighting cannot. The WEC Welterweight champion has a record of 22-4 with dangerous Muay Thai and submissions. If you need any further proof of this nickname, watch any of his fights from the past 2 years.

2. Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko

Fedor Emelianenko embodies to perfection the image of the stoic, impenetrable fearless Russian. "The Last Emperor" is widely considered among the top two mixed martial artists in the world along side Anderson Silva. He has one defeat on his record in 28 fights, and has beaten everyone Pride FC has put in front of him. He is certainly the emperor of Heavyweight mixed martial artists until further notice.

1. Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva

A pretty obvious choice, everything about Wanderlei's appearance and fighting style screams AXE MURDERER. One of the most feared fighters in the world, his soccer kicks, knees and prefight staredowns are almost things of legend. Most of his fights almost look like he has an axe in there with the amount of blood. Watch the Keith Jardine fight if you want to see this yourself.

Honorable Mention:

Chris "The Crippler" Leben

Don "The Predator" Frye

Ken "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Shamrock

Stephan "The American Psycho" Bonnar