Top 10 superstars who wrestled in both WWE and UFC
These wrestlers have made a name both inside the octagon and the squared circle
There have been remarkable WWE and UFC stars who have displayed their talents in both the world of professional wrestling and the merciless octagon of mixed martial arts throughout the history of combat sports. These exceptional performers have proven their flexibility by enthralling audiences with their athleticism, charisma, and fighting prowess in both WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). These ten superstars have forged reputations as true crossover heroes, from dominant heavyweight champs to tough women's boxers.
With records, triumphs, and unforgettable moments transcending the borders of their respective industries, these individuals have demonstrated their capacity to flourish in the planned drama of professional wrestling and the raw intensity of the MMA world.
Join us as we explore the experiences and triumphs of these exceptional 10 superstars who have graced the squared circle and the octagon, making an indelible stamp on the rich fabric of combat sports history.
Jack Swagger
Before moving on to MMA, Jack Swagger, originally known as Jake Hager, had a great career in WWE. Swagger won the World Heavyweight Championship in WWE. Following his departure from WWE, Hager signed with Bellator MMA.
He made his professional MMA debut in 2019 and has a 3-1 record. He defeated opponents, including J.W. Kiser, T.J. Jones, and Brandon Calton. Hager has demonstrated his grappling abilities in Bellator's heavyweight division, using his wrestling experience to earn remarkable wins inside the cage.
Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio, also known as Alberto El Patron, had a lucrative MMA and WWE career. Del Rio has won the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. After leaving WWE, Del Rio competed in MMA under the moniker 'Dos Caras Jr.'
Despite his lack of success in MMA, he fought opponents such as Mirko Cro Cop and Tito Ortiz. He has an MMA record of 9 wins, 5 defeats, and 0 draws. Del Rio's effort at crossover allowed him to put his skills to the test in the rigorous world of MMA while also leaving a lasting impression in the world of professional wrestling.
Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle's path from the UFC to WWE was incredible. Riddle competed in the UFC's welterweight division, earning 8 wins, 3 losses, and 2 no-contests. He competed against Chris Clements, Che Mills, and Sean Pierson. After his MMA career, Riddle moved on to WWE, where he rose to prominence with his distinct in-ring flair.
The Original Bro has won championships and had notable matches against WWE superstars Seth Rollins, Sheamus, and Roman Reigns. His outstanding grappling and hitting abilities from his UFC days continue to define his professional wrestling success.
Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley has made his mark in both MMA and WWE. Lashley fought in MMA as a heavyweight, collecting a record of 15 wins and 3 losses. He competed against Josh Burns, Chad Griggs, and Bob Sapp, among others. However, The heavyweight fighter never competed in the world's largest MMA promotion, the UFC.
When he moved to WWE, The All Mighty became a powerful force, capturing championships, including the WWE Championship. Lashley has had noteworthy matches against Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, Austin Theory, and others.
Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler has made an impression in both the UFC and WWE. Baszler participated in the UFC's women's bantamweight division with a record of 15 wins and 11 losses. Amanda Nunes, Bethe Correia, and Sara McMann were among her famous opponents. Baszler demonstrated her submission abilities and toughness in the octagon.
After joining WWE, she quickly rose to prominence in the women's division, capturing the NXT Women's Championship and presently holding the WWE Tag Team Championship with Ronda Rousey. Baszler, known for her energy and ferocious rivalries, has demonstrated her flexibility as an MMA fighter and a professional wrestler.
Ken Shamrock
Ken Shamrock is a legendary figure who rose through the ranks of the UFC and WWE. Shamrock had a record of 28 wins, 17 defeats, and two ties in the UFC. Ken Shamrock was among the first men and women to compete in professional wrestling. The UFC Hall of Famer was one of the first MMA pioneers, and their clash at UFC 1 in 1993 was the first in the octagon. He won the inaugural UFC super-fight championship by defeating Dan Severn at UFC 6.
Shamrock would continue to wrestle in Japan, battle in the UFC, and even work for the WWE throughout the years. When he moved to WWE, he had a strong run during the Attitude Era, winning the Intercontinental Championship and feuding with The Rock, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, and The Undertaker.
Dan Severn
Dan Severn is an iconic figure in both the UFC and the WWE. Severn had a fantastic UFC record of 101 victories, 19 defeats, and 7 draws. He competed against Ken Shamrock, Royce Gracie, and Oleg Taktarov. Severn's wrestling experience and submission abilities make him a fearsome octagon force.
He had a remarkable run in WWE during the Attitude Era, earning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Severn, known for his aggressive fighting style, made an indelible mark in both MMA and professional wrestling, cementing his image as a versatile combat sports opponent.
CM Punk
CM Punk, real name Phil Brooks, made a high-profile move from WWE to the UFC. Punk had a tremendous career in WWE, winning several championships, including the WWE Championship, and had one of the longest reigns as WWE Champion. He was also the 19th Triple Winner, holding all of WWE's main championships throughout his career.
The Best in the World made his UFC debut in 2014, although his time there was brief. At UFC 203, Mickey Gall submitted him with a rear naked choke in the first round. At UFC 225 in Chicago, he lost a unanimous decision to Mike Jackson.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar rose through the ranks of WWE before storming the UFC heavyweight division. He is a ten-time WWE champion and the youngest person to win the world title, having defeated The Rock at 25. Lesnar debuted in the octagon in 2008, posting a 5-3 record. Lesnar won four straight fights after losing his debut to Frank Mir, winning the heavyweight belt from Randy Couture in his third UFC battle.
He successfully defended his title in three contests, including a rematch with Mir at UFC 100. After losing his next two fights to Cain Velasquez and Allistair Overeem, The Beast Incarnate returned to WWE in 2012 to reach the top of the mountain only to end The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania 30.
Ronda Rousey
During her three-year stint as UFC bantamweight champion, her fights were must-sees. Prior to surrendering her title to Holly Holm at UFC 193, Rousey had five first-round finishes, three of which came less than a minute into the contest. She was and still is undoubtedly one of the UFC's top stars, with a record of 12 victories and 2 losses.
Rousey would make occasional WWE appearances during her UFC career before making her WWE debut at WrestleMania 34. The Baddest Woman on the Planet rose to prominence, winning the Raw and SmackDown Women's Championships. Her encounters with the likes of Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch are highly regarded.
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