21 Best Fighting Songs to Get You Pumped Up Before a Fight

“What Up Gangsta” by 50 Cent

Song year: 2003

50 Cent alternates between good-time party songs that get the whole club jumping to hardcore gangsta rap that will mentally prepare you for even the toughest fights. “What Up Gangsta” is loaded with bravado and confidence, as 50 describes in detail all the ways he handles his enemies.

The song is from his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, released in 2003. Fans at the time were enthralled by 50’s true-life story, where he’d survived getting shot nine times by a crack kingpin who didn’t like his portrayal in one of 50’s songs.

“Break Ya Neck” by Busta Rhymes

Song year: 2000

Busta is another artist who deserves more than one song on this list, but I’m going with “Break Ya Neck” as the best for a pre-fight pump-up. It’s one of his most aggressive songs, with fast and furious lyrics that will incite you to break your opponent’s neck (metaphorically, of course).

The song is from Busta’s fifth album, Genesis, which Dr. Dre produced. If you’re looking for the biggest pre-fight boost possible, check out the video, where you can watch Busta’s legendary energy in action.

“Fight Night” by Migos

Song year: 2014

If you’re looking for a high-energy song with more than a little vulgarity, check out “Fight Night” by Atlanta hip-hop trio Migos. It’s crude, bold, and sure to get you ready to rumble.

Released in 2014, the song was the group’s biggest hit until 2017’s “Bad and Boujee.” “Fight Night” was also nominated for Best Club Banger at the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards.  

“Tubthumper” by Chumbawamba

Song year: 1997

In any fight, it’s not if you get knocked down, but whether or not you get back up again. Chumbawamba belts the point home with Tubthumper, their biggest commercial and critical success.

A notable tradition from their anarcho-punk roots, Tubthumper has a poppier, hip-hop sound that will pump you up and get you ready to take on the world. The lyrics refer to class conflicts in England. (A tubthumper is someone who stands on the street corner and complains about society.)

“Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake featuring Lil Jon

Song year: 2013

While Lil Jon is the main voice heard in the song, it’s the powerful beats laid down by French producer DJ Snake that will really get you going. The lyrics to this fighting song are incredibly simple, consisting of little more than the title phrase repeated, but they get the job done. The song will inspire you to approach your fight with maximum intensity.

The song was released in 2013 as part of the soundtrack for Furious 7. An early version of the song had the title “Band the Underground” and featured an auto sample from rapper Redman.

“Jump Around” by House of Pain

Song year: 1992

As soon as you hear those familiar horns in the intro, you just know you’re about to get pumped up. “Jump Around” is the most famous song from the Irish rap trio, a rip-roaring song about conquering your enemies and being the baddest dude around.

The sound was produced by DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill. He initially offered the song to B-Real and Ice Cube, who both passed. But House of Pain turned out to be the best possible artists for the song, as the music matched perfectly with their aggressive Irish rhymes.

“Bodies” by Drowning Pool

Song year: 2001

Starting with a whisper, followed by a primal scream, “Bodies” by Drowning Pool is sure to get you ready to fight. It’s the nu-metal band’s signature song, inspired by lead singer Dave Williams’ POV of the pit at their shows.

The song was a critical and commercial hit, appearing in many movies and TV shows. In 2001, it peaked at number six on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks. Easy to sing along to, this aggressive song will give you the fuel you need to drop your opponents.

“Bring ‘Em” Out by T.I.

Song year: 2004

“Bring ‘Em Out” is T.I.’s biggest hit and arguably introduced the rapper to a wider, more mainstream audience. In the song, T.I. is challenging his enemies to face him in the streets.

It’s an incredibly popular song among sports teams, used for introductions for the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Rams, and others.

“Power” by Kayne West

Song year: 2010

Kayne’s such a polarizing public figure it’s easy to forget he’s responsible for more than a few genuine bangers, including “Power,” an abrasive and aggressive song where Kayne shreds his critics and proclaims his greatness.

Interestingly, “Power” is the first song Kayne wrote down before recording. For his first four albums, he kept all the lyrics entirely in his head. 

“Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J

Song year: 1991

With lyrics that’ll make you call the cops, “Mama Said Knock You Out” is a classic song for getting pumped up before a fight or confrontation. The song is aggressive and confrontational, with a video featuring LL in boxing gear rapping into an announcer’s mic.

The inspiration for the song is based on LL’s real life. In the early 90s, he felt the rise of Gangsta Rap signaled the end of his career. He felt these younger, more hardcore rappers were overshadowing him, and expressed those fears to his grandmother, who promptly replied, “Oh baby, just knock them out!”

LL Cool J is also featured in our songs about California list for his 1987 hit “Going Back to Cali.”

Top Fighting Songs, Final Thoughts

Whether you’re about to enter the ring for a boxing or MMA match, or you need to prepare for a less official type of fighting, the right music can help you get pumped up and give you an edge over your opponent. From rap to rock and more, use the list above to find the perfect songs about fighting.