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WWE & UFC: SUPERSTARS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONED BETWEEN BOTH

The WWE and UFC may have been emerged into one entity following the acquisition by Endeavor and going under the TKO Group Holdings brand to form a new ‘$21 billion’ company, but there have been many instances where the two sports have combined in the past.

While they feature very different types of combat fighting, there have been many that have decided to swap one for the other at some point in their careers.

There have been some that have found the transition a little tougher than others, with CM Punk perhaps being one of the most famous to fail at making it in the UFC despite being one of the biggest names in wrestling at the time.

However, there have been a few that have been able to make the switch in the past and be able to thrive. It would seem that it is easier for those that have been able to leave the Octagon or cage behind and get into the squared circle with ease. Here are just five of the biggest names to have been able to succeed inside both…

Brock Lesnar

It is almost impossible to begin elsewhere other than with Brock Lesnar. The ‘Beast Incarnate’ is one of the biggest names to have ever been involved in both sports professionally, and to this day, is still a feared competitor. Having made his name as a wrestler at the NCCA level, he would go on to join the WWE and become a dominant force. In 2004, though, it would appear he had had enough and decided to test himself in the UFC after failed attempts to become a professional football player in the NFL. He would become a UFC heavyweight champion in his third professional fight, defeating Randy Couture via a TKO decision. He is currently signed with the WWE after making a number of returns to professional wrestling, and he continues to be a huge hit for the promotion with each appearance that he makes.

Ronda Rousey

Arguably the greatest female UFC fighter to have ever lived on the planet, Ronda Rousey swapped the Octagon for a career in the squared circle within the WWE. During her time in the UFC, she steamrolled through the competition and was a huge attraction for the UFC. She would be able to sell millions of PPV orders when appearing on the card, while she would also be a huge proposition for those who like to wager on the sport. She was always a favorite among the bet UFC odds, and now remains among a popular choice for those who wager on the WWE. She has managed to achieve success in professional wrestling, having won big titles and being part of memorable feuds and storylines. She took a hiatus when starting a family, but returned in 2022 and has started a story with real-life friend Shayna Baszler; another star to have swapped the cage for the ring ropes.

Shayna Baszler

Known as the ‘Queen of Spades’, Baszler did not always have the most success in the UFC, but she was incredibly successful in other MMA promotions. In fact, she is described as being a pioneer for women. She would ultimately end up leaving the UFC after a less-than-successful period, but would make her name in the independent wrestling scene, which is where the WWE would eventually sign her from. She became a star on the NXT brand before moving to the main roster, where she has continued to be an imposing figure. As mentioned, she is know involved in a storyline with Rousey, which will likely be used to elevate her status and look to propel her to stardom within the squared circle.

Matt Riddle

A former UFC Welterweight champion, Matt Riddle also did not have the biggest impact on the combat promotion. However, that did not stop him as he managed to make a successful transition from the Octagon to the ring. He found himself within the professional wrestling industry after being signed by the WWE after a bout on the indie scene. He started out in the developmental territory of NXT in 2018 and within two years, he was appearing on the main roster. He has since grown in popularity with fans and continues to be a key part of the midcard, having teamed with individuals like Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre in recent months.

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