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The cancellations of sporting events throughout 2020 had led many traditional sporting fans to seek out alternatives, whilst a huge success had been found in online gaming as sites not blocked by Gamstop, an initiative aimed at reducing player opportunities, were amongst the many that were able to really grow. The middle of the year saw the return of one big sporting giant, however, in the UFC as live events for the combat sport were amongst the very first to return. The return brought around plenty of fans, but many of the newer viewers may not know about the unique relationship between the UFC and wrestling as some of the biggest stars of each have found competition in the other.
Brock Lensar – The former WWE champ is one of the biggest names in the sport, joining the sport back in 2002 to become one of the youngest world champions in wrestling history – but he has also been a formidable UFC fighter in the past too by capturing the UFC Heavyweight title at one point in his career. Whilst still being active in both organisations, he was able to show what he could do as an elite athlete in both entertainment and in combat sports with many believing he deserves his own spot in the UFC hall of fame. Whilst it had been rumoured that Lesnar might return for a superfight in the UFC, the now 43-year-old may be past his prime, and with his potential contract renewal for WWE still under wraps and rumours of a move to AEW – who knows what the future holds for The Beast.
(Image from mmamania.com)
Ronda Rousey – The UFC hall of famer made her name as being one of the best fighters in the earlier days of the fresh UFC Women’s division and had even captured UFC gold – Rousey has also been attributed with bringing the success and fame to the now growing women’s division in the UFC before her losses toward the end of her combat sports career. Entertainment certainly wasn’t behind her however, after a number of movie role appearances, Ronda Rousey would go on to sign with the WWE and quickly become a huge hit in the organisation. Back in early 2020, however, Rousey would go on to state that she may not be returning to the ring because of ‘ungrateful fans’ – and with the contract expiring in April of 2021, we may not see her back in the ring.
CM Punk – The former WWE champ left wrestling a number of years ago following rumoured disputes with both Triple H and Vince McMahon but did try his hand in the Octagon for two fights. Although he had certainly had success in the ring, his venture over to the UFC wasn’t as successful as he had certainly left a lot to be desired and doesn’t look like he’ll be fighting again – but an eye on returning to wrestling may still be on the cards as he’s stated the AEW could be of interest to him, but he may also be a little past his prime.
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