The UFC and the WWE exist in two very different areas of the combat sports spectrum. However, that hasn’t stopped fighters from switching from MMA to professional wrestling regularly throughout the promotions’ histories.
The formula for a successful WWE convert revolves around big personalities who carry huge fanbases. Ronda Rousey is one famous example who’s fit the bill in the past.
Here we’ll look at a duo of long-term UFC superstars that could be next to make the transition from the Octagon to the wrestling ring.
Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya is one of the greatest personalities in the UFC, at present, which could be perfect for the WWE. He’s known for his striking confidence and charisma – he backs himself but deeply respects his opponent regardless of the outcome.
For now, his focus is firmly on the UFC as he has a middleweight title to reclaim. Stylebender is seen to have a strong chance of winning back his title this year, at least according to the outright markets for Canada sports betting. BetMGM, for example, offers him at a price of +250 to be the champion of the world at the end of 2024.
Adesanya will likely face current champion Dricus Du Plessis at some point this year and the result of that fight could determine his future. If he wins, then the UFC will continue to be his long-term future, while if he loses again, he could consider other directions such as pro wrestling.
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Break the fourth wall, then you’ll see it all. ️ pic.twitter.com/uPMsZgJRLy— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) January 21, 2024
The New Zealand fighter already has an iconic nickname, a huge following, and a slim build which is typical of an athletic WWE star. On top of that, Adesanya has explicitly stated a future run in the WWE is a possibility, as reported by Essentially Sports.
All signs point to at least a one-off WWE cameo in the future for the former UFC Middleweight world champion.
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC for over two and a half years, which has left some questioning whether he’ll ever return. It would take a remarkable effort for McGregor to return to a level anywhere near his peak and perhaps a fresh career path would be best for him.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 18, 2024
McGregor is undoubtedly one of the greatest characters the MMA promotion has ever seen and he’s been linked with the WWE many times in the past. His showmanship and straight-talking would make for a nailed-on success in the world of wrestling.
The noise around a potential move to wrestling grew loudest after the UFC-WWE merger, which took place last year described in the Los Angeles Times.
McGregor has been linked to a potential WWE fight with Roman Reigns and has been involved in online feuds with the manager of the promotion, Paul Heyman. The drama carrying over into the wrestling ring seems inevitable at this point.
Adesanya and McGregor are both incredibly successful UFC favorites that are potentially approaching the end of their careers. WWE links have for a long time existed with both and it would not be a surprise if they make their teased switches a reality in the next few years.