It is not uncommon for MMA fighters to head to wrestling and vice versa. While many wrestlers have a known MMA history, there are some that might surprise you. Curious to learn which wrestlers have an MMA history? Find out below!
[tps_start_button label=”Start slideshow” style=”” class=”tps_startslideshow”]
[tps_title]Batista[/tps_title]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8PUv0NKu5M
Batista would not head over to the MMA until he finished his run with the WWE. Unfortunately, Batista did not do too great as an MMA fighter. Still, he surely has some guts for trying.
[tps_title]Alberto Del Rio[/tps_title]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZZH6FX1msk
Alberto Del Rio, now known as Alberto El Patron, also has an MMA history. In the MMA, he was fighting under the name Dos Caras Jr. He would also become the President of the Combate Americas MMA promotion on October 11, 2016.
Still, his career in the MMA could be considered as average. He had a total of 9 wins though, with 2 knock-outs and 7 submissions. However, he also lost 5 matches; this includes 2 by knockout, 1 submission, 1 decision and 1 disqualification.
[tps_title]Jack Gallagher[/tps_title]
Yes, even gentleman Jack Gallagher has an MMA history. He is certainly a person I did not expect to see in the MMA, so this is undoubtedly the most surprising wrestler with an MMA history.
Once you see Jack Gallagher fight, you can immediately tell there is no messing with this wrestler. Even though he only fought two matches – which he won both – if not for the WWE, he would surely had a career in the MMA.
[tps_title]Brock Lesnar[/tps_title]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wvd3LkY6eU
The MMA history of Brock Lesnar is well-known. Even though he won five reasonably big matches, he did lose three as well. So, his MMA career certainly could be compared with the MMA career of Del Rio.
[tps_title]Shinsuke Nakamura[/tps_title]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcCC1e2UMqc
Another wrestler with a surprising MMA background is Shinsuke Nakamura. His MMA career was short though, which included three wins and one loss. Still, it does explain something where Shinsuke’s versatility is concerned.
[tps_title]CM Punk[/tps_title]
Unfortunately, everyone knows about the MMA career of CM Punk and not for all the right reasons. Punk lost his hyped first fight, so it is currently unclear if CM Punk is going to continue pursuing a career as a mixed martial arts fighter.
[tps_title]Ken Shamrock[/tps_title]
The last wrestler with an MMA history is Ken Shamrock. Unfortunately, Ken Shamrock never got his big opportunity within the WWE. After some time, he went back to the MMA, which he is still doing today.
Out of all the wrestlers with an MMA career, Ken Shamrock undoubtedly has one of the more extensive ones. During his MMA career, Shamrock won 28 fights, lost 15 and got a draw on 2.
Naturally, the character Ken Shamrock portrayed in the WWE heavily depended on his mixed martial arts career. Despite being a promising wrestler, it was always clear where his true passion lied. Fortunately, Ken Shamrock made the right choice, since he was inducted in the MMA Hall of Fame, won numerous titles and is currently one of the most respected people in the circuit.
What do you think about the MMA background of these wrestlers? Were there any surprises in your opinion? Let us known in the comment section below.