Thrash and Clash: The Top 5 Metallica Anthems Fueling MMA Walkouts
In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, where every step toward the cage is a psychological battle, walkout music serves as the ultimate hype machine. Among the diverse soundtracks chosen by fighters—from hip-hop bangers to orchestral swells—one band reigns supreme in the heavy metal corner: Metallica. The thrash legends’ blistering riffs and James Hetfield’s snarling vocals have powered countless UFC and MMA entrances, turning arenas into mosh pits of anticipation.
But with licensing hurdles occasionally sidelining the band (as lamented by fighters like Carla Esparza in 2017), their songs remain fan-favorite staples when cleared for use. Drawing from historical UFC events, fighter profiles, and iconic moments, we’ve ranked the top five Metallica tracks that mixed martial artists have blasted during their walkouts. These selections are based on frequency of use, cultural impact, and crowd energy, as chronicled across MMA media. Buckle up—it’s time to headbang into the rankings.
1. “Enter Sandman” – The Unrivaled King of Intimidation
No Metallica song screams “MMA walkout” louder than “Enter Sandman.” Its ominous guitar intro and explosive chorus have become synonymous with dominance, most famously embodied by WWE-turned-UFC beast Brock Lesnar. Lesnar stormed the cage to this track at UFC 100, UFC 200, and beyond, transforming it into a symbol of raw power that still echoes in highlight reels. The song’s popularity extends beyond Lesnar; it’s a go-to for fighters seeking that nightmare-before-Christmas vibe, making it the undisputed No. 1 in MMA lore.
2. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” – The Bell Tolls for Thee
With its tolling bell riff mirroring the Octagon’s starting gong, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” is poetic perfection for fighters staring down mortality. Veteran welterweight Matt “The Immortal” Brown made it his signature, using it to electrify crowds during bouts like UFC Fight Night 103 in 2017. Brown’s relentless style synced flawlessly with the track’s building aggression, proving why this Kill ‘Em All classic tolls loudest in the welterweight division.
3. “Harvester of Sorrow” – Reaping Strawweight Glory
From the gritty depths of …And Justice for All, “Harvester of Sorrow” harvests hype with its chugging riffs and vengeful lyrics. Strawweight pioneer Carla Esparza wielded it like a scythe at UFC 197 in 2016 and her title-winning performance at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale, where she submitted Rose Namajunas to claim gold. Esparza’s choice highlighted the song’s underdog fury, turning a deep cut into a staple for resilient grapplers.
4. “Master of Puppets” – Strings of Control in the Cage
The title track from Metallica’s magnum opus is a masterclass in tension-building solos, ideal for fighters pulling the strings on their opponents. Polish middleweight Bartosz Fabinski unleashed it at UFC Fight Night 78 in 2015, channeling the song’s anti-addiction rage into his ground-and-pound game. Though Fabinski’s UFC run was short, the track’s complexity has inspired sporadic uses, cementing its status as a cerebral choice for technical strikers.
5. “Seek and Destroy” – Hunting Victory in the Wild
Rounding out the top five is the relentless hunter’s anthem from Ride the Lightning. Canadian welterweight Rory MacDonald deployed it at UFC 170 in 2014, embodying the song’s predatory drive during his prime as a top contender. The track’s high-octane energy has also nodded in event naming (UFC 87: Seek and Destroy), underscoring its fit for aggressive pursuits in the Octagon.
Metallica’s enduring grip on MMA walkouts isn’t just about the music—it’s the shared ethos of perseverance and fury that binds thrash metal to the fight game. As UFC evolves with new stars like Sean O’Malley favoring flashy pop-rap, these timeless tracks remind us why some riffs are built for battle.
What’s your dream Metallica walkout? Sound off in the comments. Until the bell rings again, stay heavy.
