Combat sports have always garnered tremendous respect and adoration from fans and critics alike, notably because of the risk factor that envelopes the quest for glory. MMA or Mixed Martial Arts is the ‘sinister melange’ of martial arts, boxing and grappling, making it one of the most deadliest combat sports.
But did you know some of the biggest names in Mixed Martial Arts have featured in the WWE as well. Here are some prominent names that have graced both the “squared circle” and the dreaded “torture zone”:
1. Brock Lesnar
With a gargantuan physique backed by sublime physical prowess inside the octagon, Brock Lesnar’s career achieved stellar fame during his stint with the World Wrestling Entertainment. Notable for being the youngest champion in the history of the WWE, Lesnar jumped the bandwagon and became a UFC Heavyweight Champion too!
2. Bobby Lashley
Bellator MMA star Bobby Lashley is one of the most fearsome athletes in the history of mixed martial arts, but even his career got a major push courtesy the World Wrestling Entertainment. The rare combination of speed, technicality and brute strength can be attributed to his ‘fan-favourite’ status.
3. Ken Shamrock
Riding the moniker of “The World’s Most Dangerous Man”, Ken Shamrock made his WWE debut and quickly assumed star status. He featured in storylines revolving around the Undertaker and his satanic faction known as “The Ministry of Darkness”. He hit a purple patch by winning the King of the Ring tournament in 1998.
4. Batista
One of Strikeforce: Los Angeles’ most prominent fighters, Dave Bautista was a fierce competitor in Vince McMahon’s WWE, making his debut as a jobber before arriving onto the scene and literally “tearing it apart”. Feuding with the likes of The Undertaker, Batista was one of WWE’s most revered figures.
5. Nathan Jones
Remember The Undertaker’s Hannibal Lecter-esque protege? The former strongman turned MMA superstar had a brief stint with the World Wrestling Entertainment where his monstrous presence anchored his status as a fan-favourite.
6. Bam Bam Bigelow
Scott Bam Bam Bigelow held the distinction of featuring in pretty much every promotion in existence; but he owes his success to the WWE, where he was one fierce contender notable for feuding against the likes of Andre The Giant and King Kong Bundy.
7. CM Punk
MMA fighter CM Punk, worked his way up the ranks in the WWE before meandering his way through to the UFC. As a WWE superstar, Punk was a 3 time Heavyweight Champion and a 2 time WWE Champion.
