UFC 323 brings the usual year-end chaos back to T-Mobile Arena, with champions, former champions, and hungry prospects packed onto a single show. Everyone brings something unique to the table—not just skill, but that edge you can sense even before the first punch is thrown. And for fight fans, the walkout is part of the excitement. It’s the final look of a fighter before the cage door closes.

Some walkout tracks convey a tale, some are designed to send a chill down their opponents spine, and some are simply the fighter’s personal switch into war mode. With UFC 323 wrapping out the year, here’s a look at the tunes these fighters will resort to when it’s time to shine.

Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan’s walkout songs

The main event brings a rematch loaded with history, and the walkouts are as personal as the rivalry itself. Merab Dvalishvili, who is coming off three title defenses in 2025, will now look to create history by being the first fighter to have four successful title defenses in a single year. And to get into his ‘The Machine’ mode, he often makes the lengthy walk to Midi Midi’s ‘Movidar,’ a song that fits him almost perfectly. It’s quick, relaxed, and always moves forward, just like the Georgian when he’s in full flow.

Across from him is Petr Yan, finally back in rhythm after earning himself three straight wins. Yan walks out to Noggano’s ‘Stem for the Belt,’ a track that reflects his entire identity: precise, controlled, and laced with the same danger that previously made him champion. Their first battle left many unanswered questions, all due to his injured arm, but no such handicap hangs over the rematch. When the lights come on, and the music begins, both warriors will be looking their best, each backed by a soundtrack that expresses exactly who they are.

Walkout songs of Alexandre Pantoja, Brandon Moreno, and other fighters at UFC 323

Alexandre Pantoja returns to the co-main event after defending his title back in December. As we can see, year-end fights have become his thing, and his walkout songs are a part of his winning strategy. He comes out to 50 Cent’s ‘Many Men,’ a brutal, uncompromising piece that sounds more like a personal declaration than music. His opponent, Joshua Van, the younger and more energetic slugger, comes in with options. Depending on the mood, he’ll play either Sjaak’s ‘Goeie Dag’ or 2Pac’s ‘Hit Em Up,’ both of which fit the tempo and intensity he brings every time he walks in.

Brandon Moreno and Tatsuro Taira face off in a vital flyweight fight that will shape the division for the next six months. Moreno sticks with ‘El Corrido del Bebe Asesino,’ a chaotic and dramatic walkout reminiscent of the scrambles in which he excels. Taira, calm and surgical, takes the opposite approach with ‘Power to the People’ by John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, an understated choice that reflects his steady, quietly dangerous presence.

Then there’s Henry Cejudo, who says this will be his final battle. He’s been walking to Lupe Fiasco’s ‘The Show Goes On’ for years; now it hits more like a closing chapter than a hype track. Across him, Payton Talbott uses ‘Kerosene’ by Crystal Castles or anything heavy from the Deftones collection, a perfect contrast between a decorated veteran with a legacy song and a young challenger still building his soundtrack.

Beyond the main event, UFC 323 features fighters whose walkout tracks have become a part of their personality. Jan Błachowicz sticks to ‘I Will Never Give Up’ by The Analogs, while Bogdan Guskov combines ‘Shook Ones Pt. II’ and ‘I Got 5 On It’ for a mix of menace and swagger. Grant Dawson thoroughly immerses himself in character in ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia,’ while Manuel Torres delivers sheer passion in ‘El Chapo’ by The Game ft. Skrillex.

Terrance McKinney channels Nipsey Hussle on ‘Hussle and Motivate’ or ‘Right Hand To God,’ while Chris Duncan keeps the pace high with ‘Freed From Desire.’ Maycee Barber walks to ‘Perna Bamba,’ Karine Silva alternates between ‘Paint It, Black’ and Brazilian anthems, Nazim Sadykhov shows up to ‘Scenario,’ and Fares Ziam continues with ‘On L’a Pas Choisi.’

Meanwhile, Marvin Vettori walks to Iron Maiden’s classic ‘The Trooper,’ Brunno Ferreira enters with ‘Ultimo Dias,’ Edson Barboza comes in with ‘Strong Will Continue,’ and Jalin Turner uses J. Cole’s ‘The Climb Back’ or ‘My Life’ depending on the night.

The walkouts at UFC 323 are as diverse as the fighters themselves, with anthem-like classics, gritty rap staples, and deeply personal choices. Each one sets the tone in its own unique way, tells a brief story, and announces the start of another war about to begin. So, which fighter are you excited to see in this much-anticipated card? Let us know in the comments.