The recent merger between UFC and WWE has opened up a world of exciting possibilities, including the potential for fighters to cross over between the two combat sports giants. While we’ve witnessed fighters testing the waters in both the octagon and the wrestling ring before, this new era of collaboration promises even more opportunities for UFC stars to make a splash in WWE and vice versa. Here, we delve deeper into seven current UFC fighters who possess the qualities and potential to thrive in the world of professional wrestling.
1. Conor McGregor: The Charismatic Showman
- McGregor, a former two-division champion, is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in UFC history. His larger-than-life personality and bravado have made him a global sensation. Despite recent controversies that have somewhat dimmed his star, any WWE appearance by McGregor would undoubtedly dominate headlines, even with minimal promotion. The Irishman’s charisma alone could propel him to WWE stardom. However, some legal issues and concerns about his size in the wrestling ring may pose challenges to this transition.
2. Paddy Pimblett: The Rising Star
- Pimblett, a rising UFC star, possesses the kind of personality that wrestling fans love to embrace. With a growing fan base, a larger-than-life personality, and impressive mic skills, Pimblett has the potential to captivate wrestling audiences. While he hasn’t spoken extensively about a potential WWE move, his past beef with AEW champion MJF shows that he’s paying attention to the world of pro wrestling. If WWE were to make him an offer, especially toward the tail end of his MMA career, it’s likely that he would seriously consider it.
3. Israel Adesanya: The Charismatic Middleweight
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- Adesanya, a charismatic and skilled middleweight, is much closer in size to your typical pro wrestler than some of his fellow UFC fighters. His manager has mentioned his interest in WWE, stating that it’s on his bucket list. While Adesanya’s MMA career is still in full swing and he’s considered one of the greatest middleweights of all time, a WWE move could become a reality once he decides to hang up the gloves.
4. Colby Covington: The Ultimate Heel
- Covington, known for being one of the biggest heels in UFC today, has a knack for getting under people’s skin. His trash-talking persona has made him a polarizing figure in MMA, and this approach could translate seamlessly into the world of WWE. Covington’s love for pro wrestling is well-documented, and he has expressed his desire to step into the WWE ring. While a transition may not happen in the near future, given his status as a top contender in the welterweight division, it remains a tantalizing possibility.
5. Julianna Peña: The Charismatic Bantamweight
- Among the talented women competing in the UFC today, Julianna Peña stands out as a potential WWE star. Her charisma and confidence are evident both inside and outside the octagon. Having already achieved significant success in MMA, Peña could easily make the transition to pro wrestling. She has shown interest in the world of wrestling and has praised its production value. Whether it’s inside the cage or in the ring, Peña knows how to command attention.
6. Derrick Lewis: The Heavyweight Entertainer
- While Derrick Lewis may not be known for his trash talk, he’s certainly an entertainer. The UFC heavyweight contender has a unique personality that fans love, and he has delivered some of the most memorable moments in UFC history. After his recent knockout victory, Lewis celebrated by stripping down to his underwear, a move that generated a lot of buzz. His entertaining nature could easily find a home in WWE, and as a heavyweight, he has the physical presence to stand out among WWE’s most imposing figures.
7. Jiri Prochazka: The Unique Knockout Artist
- Jiri Prochazka, a knockout artist who made his name in Japan’s Rizin Fighting Federation, brings a unique personality to the table. His affinity for samurai culture and unconventional training methods, including wielding a katana, make him an intriguing character. Although he’s currently recovering from a shoulder injury, once he’s back in fighting shape, a transition to pro wrestling could be a captivating prospect. Prochazka possesses both the physical tools and a unique character that could endear him to wrestling fans.
As UFC and WWE embark on this new era of collaboration, the potential for crossover success is immense. While the worlds of the octagon and the wrestling ring offer distinct challenges, these fighters have the charisma, presence, and potential to captivate wrestling audiences when their MMA careers eventually come to a close.
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