No. 11: Metta Sandiford-Artest
Summary: Though you could argue that Metta Sandiford-Artest (originally Ron Artest) is amongst those who might be too volatile of a character to even be on this list, I had a hard time ignoring what are familiar flags in regards to profiling a potential fighter.
From his eccentric and brash behavior to his love for boxing (given his upbringing and father’s Golden Gloves background), it isn’t too hard to see Artest fitting into combat sports circles. Sure, his involvement in “The Malice at the Palace” wasn’t something that should be celebrated, but that kind of behavior isn’t exactly as costly to your reputation or pocketbook within the MMA space.
Sporting a 6-foot-7 frame within the range of 260 pounds, who knows what this athlete would’ve done if he had followed in his father’s footsteps and attempted to use his violent sensibilities to make opportunities rather than minimize them.
Ron Artest’s greatest fights, cheap shots and moments: