Making The Jump: 5 Names Who Found Success In Both Wrestling & MMA
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Mixed martial artist Brock Lesnar poses on the scale during his weigh-in for UFC 200 at T-Mobile Arena on July 8, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lesnar will meet Mark Hunt in a heavyweight bout on July 9 at T-Mobile Arena. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Professional wrestling and mixed martial arts are more closely linked than many want to admit. These five athletes found success in both arenas.
What do the names Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Ken Shamrock and Dan Severn all have in common? Clearly, these are all examples of men and women that have excelled both in the world of MMA and professional wrestling. As that transition and characterization grows more popular between both industries, let’s look at some lesser-known athletes that have made the jump between the two.
Mixed martial arts and professional wrestling are very closely linked. Depending upon those asked; some believe that professional wrestling is directly responsible for the development of MMA. As names such as Lesnar, Rousey and others make the transition between the two athletic industries; they aren’t the only names that have made the jump between the two.
News broke this week that former WWE champion, CM Punk, is scheduled for his second bout with the promotion at UFC 225. He may not be the best example of success, but there are a few individuals that stand out as names of athletes that have stepped from the cage to the ring.
This list doesn’t look at the well-known competitors; meaning the likes of Lesnar, Rousey, Shamrock, Severn, Matt Riddle and others will not appear on this list. Instead, we will look at some lesser known fighters or professional wrestlers that have moved between the two industries.
Moving between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts is a feat that deserves recognition. While the two arenas are linked in presentation and business structures, that’s where the comparison should end. However, that doesn’t end the debate around who would excel if they change industries. While that conversation will continue to rage on, these individuals have successfully made a transition at one point or another, standing out as examples for any of those looking to make the leap in the future.