No. 5: Dennis Rodman
Summary: There may be an undeniable soft side to this bad boy, but his weirdness and vulnerability are important factors the help comprise the other attributes that earn him a top-five slot.
There may be more sheer physical forces on and off of this list, but few can even come close to checking off the boxes of pageantry and showmanship. From his grand entrances on motorcycles, rogue appearances on professional wrestling shows and random relationships with high-level celebrities, it’s not hard to see Rodman reluctantly falling into the role of providing fuel for both fight promoters and the media sphere alike.
More importantly than the rockstar part of the equation, Rodman also fits the physical and mental part of the bill. Much smarter than he looked, Rodman was savant-like in the way he studied his opposition and the game itself, something that would likely come in handy as a fighter.
Rodman could play like an animal as he put on a show, all the while cleverly goading players into coming at him. Whether he had Shaquille O’Neal charging him or Anthony Mason choking him, Rodman knew how to keep his composure and play toward the officials at all times (which is another skill that would likely serve him well in fighting).
Add-in Rodman’s athletic hustle and inherent need to please, and I believe you have the sum of a lot of parts for a successful mixed martial artist.
Dennis Rodman cheap shots and plays: