MMA to WWE: UFC Champs in Wrestling

Several UFC champions have successfully transitioned to professional wrestling, leveraging their combat sports background to thrive in the entertainment industry. With the recent merger of UFC and WWE under the Endeavor banner, the pathway for fighters to venture into pro wrestling has become more direct than ever. Here's a look at five notable UFC champions who made the crossover:

Andrei Arlovski and Junior dos Santos (Tag Team): These former UFC heavyweight champions debuted as a tag team in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), joining their coach Dan Lambert's feud with Chris Jericho and The Inner Circle. Despite a loss in their debut match, Arlovski and dos Santos embraced their roles and showcased their enthusiasm for pro wrestling.
Cain Velasquez: Velasquez surprised fans when he joined WWE in 2019, targeting his former rival Brock Lesnar. Their feud culminated in a match at Crown Jewel, replicating an MMA fight, where Lesnar emerged victorious. However, Velasquez's WWE tenure was short-lived due to budget cuts amid the pandemic.
Dan Severn: A legendary MMA fighter, Severn also had a successful pro wrestling career, notably winning the UFC 5 tournament while holding the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He later joined WWE during the Attitude Era, engaging in various storylines and matches before continuing his career on the independent circuit.
Ronda Rousey: After making waves in women's MMA, Rousey transitioned to WWE in 2018, debuting at Royal Rumble and later headlining WrestleMania. Her tenure included historic moments such as main eventing WrestleMania and winning the women's Royal Rumble.
Ken Shamrock: Shamrock was one of the first UFC stars to enter pro wrestling, joining WWE during the Attitude Era. He participated in significant storylines and matches, cementing his place among the company's top stars and winning several championships.

These UFC champions-turned-wrestlers exemplify the potential for athletes to thrive in both MMA and professional wrestling, showcasing their versatility and expanding their horizons beyond the octagon.