The UFC fighters tattoos are some of the most interesting ink designs you’ll see that represent their unique personality, fighting style, or heritage.
There’s great sleeves, full back tats and chest pieces from famous fighters that I will highlight in this article.
Scroll down to see my top picks for the best MMA tattoo ideas for fighters that might inspire your next session under the needle.
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Winged Owl — Sean O’Malley
“Suga” Sean O’Malley’s most memorable tattoo is probably his full-winged chest Owl.
The Owl has its wings spread, with a full view and notable styling with a rich green and pinkish red — colors that he often uses in his tattoos.
A lot of people have said early on that he copied Conor McGregor’s chest tattoo with an animal, but actually many use an animal for their fighter tattoo.
Vines & Biology — Sean O’Malley
One of Sean’s more unusual tattoos is the one on his upper right arm.
This ink is in a rich green that includes pointed vines and symbols for DNA.
I think it’s Sean’s way of saying that he has a different kind of biology and DNA to ordinary people and that he’s a unique fighter. Can’t argue with that so far.
A similar pattern goes down onto his right forearm that has a similar style but looks more like alien growth with what appear to be cherries.
The meaning of this is potentially confusing, but it may be along the lines of the quote “Sweet like a cherry.”
“Only God Can Judge Me” — Sean O’Malley
On the inside of Sean’s right bicep, he has the words “Only God” inked in caligraphy.
And on the inside of his right left bicep, he has the words “Can Judge Me” also.
Together, this completes the quote “Only God Can Judge Me.” This is a phrase often used by those that believe in God and that their sins will be only judged by this higher power.
It aligns with O’Malley’s more rebellious nature to what seems the norm in society, but in fact he has an ethical guide through life.
“Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee” — Sean O’Malley
O’Malley has the famous Muhammad Ali quote on his ribcage, “Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee.”
He’s one of many fighters that observe Ali’s massive contribution to fighting sports and Sean definitely applies a similar style to his own fighting.
Sean’s incredible footwork allows him to move in and around his opponents with speed and grace.
Yet he still has the power to knockout opponents in just a single punch.
Perhaps this quote or one like it inspires your fighting, too.
Family Crest — Sean O’Malley
Sean has a large family crest over his left shoulder blade in a bold green and yellow.
The crest is of the O’Malley surname coat of arms which includes a knight’s helm, and a wild boar in the middle representing the warrior.
The colors of this crest play importance as red signifies military fortitude, and yellow signifies generosity.
Perhaps this crest alone inspires many of his coloring used among his other UFC tattoos due to its heritage and meaning.
“King Gorilla” — Conor McGregor
The notorious Conor McGregor has a collection of ink that projects outwardly his confident image of himself.
It aligns with his place as the “King of the Jungle” in his eyes. He has a unique chest tattoo named the “King Gorilla.”
He’s a massive fan of animal movement and studying unique movement practice, like from one of his past mentors Ido Portal.
Conor has a strong connection with his animalistic nature and enjoys expressing it in tattoos across his body and in his fighting styles.
After training Mixed Martial Arts at Straight Blast Gym in Ireland and growing his expertise, he decided he needed a tattoo to match his dominant style.
Conor has said that he thinks of himself as the “king gorilla” of fighting.
A gorilla, wearing a crown, whilst eating a heart seemed like the perfect fit for him and was custom designed to his request.
Perhaps similar animals that are kings of their jungles would be a good tattoo idea for your own piece, such as:
- Gorilla
- Tiger
- Lion
- Eagle
- Shark
- Aligator/Crocodile