When you’re about to make the trek to the gym, outfitting yourself shouldn’t be your only concern — make sure to load up you iPod with what the world’s fittest athletes are listening to. From the UFC to the WWE, and beyond, we bring you the best of the best in workout music.
1. Matt Brown, UFC welterweight: “The Immortal” by Jamey Jasta
Top UFC welterweight, Matt Brown, took on Johny Hendricks at UFC 185 this Saturday in a bout that had title implications written all over it. For this monumental occasion, Brown didn’t just walk out to any random song. In fact, it was made just for him.
The heavy-metal lover made the long walk to the Octagon as “The Immortal” rained down from the speakers of the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. Jamey Jasta, the lead singer of Hatebreed, wrote the song — with a little help from Brown — after the two met at a concert.
It’s a song that’s perfect for Brown. It’s loud, aggressive, and in your face, just like the powerful welterweight. It has everything you would want in a song when crushing those pull-ups, or hitting the benchpress.
2. Jose Aldo, UFC Featherweight Champion: “Run this Town” by Jay-Z feat. Kanye West and Rihanna
Sure this smash-hit from the platinum Jay-Z album, “The Blueprint 3,” has been featured in dozens of movies and commercials, but it’s highly befitting for the stout Brazilian. Aldo is seven title defenses into his tenure as champion, and has run through the 145-pound division elite.
3. Randy Couture, UFC Hall of Famer: “Stranglehold” by Ted Nugent
The Nugent classic, off of his self-titled album in 1975, accompanied Couture to the Octagon one final time for his bout with Lyoto Machida in April 2011. No weight is too heavy when you’ve got this wicked guitar solo blaring through your headphones.
4. Ronda Rousey, UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion: “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett
Chances are you’re not as much of a badass as the baddest woman on the planet. “Rowdy” Ronda is now being looked at as the female version of boxing legend, Mike Tyson, after her 14-second dismissal of formerly undefeated bantamweight Cat Zingano at UFC 184. Like “Iron Mike,” Rousey doesn’t play around. She has mastered the art of intimidation, and she doesn’t give a damn about her reputation.
5. Alistair Overeem, UFC Heavyweight: “Charizma” by Eva Shaw
We’re not sure if Overeem hits the dance floor all that often, but this upbeat tune by the Dutch-Canadian house artist, Shaw, demands you get up out of your seat.
6. Kurt Angle, former WWE/TNA Heavyweight Champion: “Medal” by Jim Johnston
The former Olympic gold medalist and professional wrestling standout embodied all the necessary qualities that made him a true American athlete. That was most evident in Angle’s choice of song during his career in World Wrestling Entertainment. Tenacity, triumph, heart; all qualities that will surely help you climb the mountain at the gym.
7. Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair: Theme to “2001: A Space Odyssey” by Richard Strauss
When you’ve finished a rough workout, this theme that exudes an old Hollywood feel will give you a sense of what it’s like to be a 16-time professional wrestling champion.
8. Triple H: “King of Kings” by Motörhead
Anyone who comes into contact with this Motörhead-produced track will immediately blurt out water and begin to flex in front of the mirror. Not that we’d advise that with a bunch of sweaty dudes around you.
9. CM Punk: “This Fire” by Killswitch Engage
Punk may no longer be with World Wrestling Entertainment but his taste in walkout music is fantastic. Give this one a try when dominating the squat rack.
10. John Cena: “The Time is Now”
Whether you like him or not, Cena’s music is a hit that you must listen to. The slow build up, followed by an emphatic pop, is an exemplary choice for a pre-workout hype song.
11. Daniel Murphy, New York Mets: “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by The Dropkick Murphys
This mega-popular, iconic Irish melody has not only been used by the longtime Met, but by former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon and Oakland Athletics’ Nate Freiman. Fire this one up whenever you’re going for a run on the treadmill.
12. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies: “Kashmir” by Led Zepplin
Utley’s long, illustrious career in Philly has been outfitted with the perfect walk-up song. A timeless classic by the legendary British rock group should give you the kick you need to get through your workout.
13. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees: “Enter the Sandman” by Metallica
Perhaps the most storied walk-up song in the history of Major League Baseball, Rivera left behind a trail of accolades when he walked away from the game in 2013. This prominent hit from Metallica’s platinum album, “Enter Sandman,” is most effective when used upon entering the gym.
“The Immortal” – Jamey Jasta
“Run This Town” – Jay-Z feat. Kanye West & Rihanna
“Stranglehold” – Ted Nugent
“Bad Reputation” – Joan Jett
“Charizma” – Eva Shaw
“Medal” – Jim Johnston
“Theme to 2001: A Space Odyssey” – Richard Strauss
“King of Kings” – Motörhead
“This Fire” – Killswitch Engage
“This Time is Now” – John Cena
“I’m Shipping Up to Boston” – The Dropkick Murphys
