One of the most controversial UFC fighters of the last decade reportedly is eyeing a WWE run in the next couple of years. However, would the top promotion sports and entertainment seriously consider signing him?
Mixed martial arts fighters crossing over into professional wrestling is no longer a rarity. Many fans know about Brock Lesnar leaving the company in the early 2000s to become an MMA star and returning to WWE as a former UFC champion. However, many other former and current members of the roster have a past in MMA.
Also Read: Get a look at the WWE schedule on the Road to WrestleMania 41
Shayna Bazler, Matt Riddle, Shinsuke Nakamura, Ronda Rousey, and CM Punk have all competed in the cage, including the UFC’s Octagon. However, Lesnar, Rousey, and Cain Velasquez are the only ones who previously held UFC gold.
However, there is a chance of a new member being added to that latter club in the next couple of years.
Former UFC interim champion Colby Covington aiming to start WWE career in the near future
“I would probably say like two years,” Colby Covington said in a fan Q&A video this week [h/t Bloody Elbow]. “I wanna really start working on my in-ring wrestling and my crowd-pleasing ability in the next year or two. Maybe I’ll go up to Orlando and go to the WWE training center. But I really want to start perfecting my craft in the WWE with the wrestling moves and hope that I can make a transition in the next year or two.”
The 36-year-old won the UFC interim welterweight title in 2019. He grew to notoriety during a seven-fight win streak that saw him purposefully try to be controversial to draw attention to himself. “Chaos” promoted it as using a wrestling promo style to build fights. He has also used Kurt Angle’s theme music several times in his walks to the Octagon. And was backed by WWE icon Hulk Hogan at his most recent fight in December.
- Colby Covington record: 17-5 (3 knockouts, 5 submissions)
However, he has lost four of his last six. And is in the midst of a very steep decline in his skills. While he is a talent WWE might consider, his promotional style was less about natural charisma and more about making shocking statements. Furthermore, his strong ties to President Donald Trump make him a divisive figure.
There is a real chance WWE will stay away from signing him for a while. To avoid being connected with his controversial UFC past.
Also Read: UFC tonight – Get details on this Saturday’s UFC card
