Top 4 MMA Fighters Who Transitioned from Other Sports

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Over the years, numerous athletes with lethal combat experience have transitioned into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) through promotions like the UFC. In fact, some of the most legendary and prominent MMA fighters, including Brock Lesnar, Francis Ngannou and Yoel Romero, have taken the jump from other sports to the ever-growing MMA stardom. From similar techniques and skill sets to familiar rage inside the ring, the history of mixed martial arts has undoubtedly witnessed an iconic crossover from the world of other combat sports, including wrestling, boxing and even judo.

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In this article we will take a look at the top four MMA fighters who have transitioned from other sports and tried to be dual threats in both arenas.

Top 4 MMA Fighters Who Transitioned from Other Sports

• Brock Lesnar

Often hailed as one of the most prominent wrestlers of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company and the NCAA Division I Heavyweight Wrestling Champion (2000), Brock Lesnar transitioned into mixed martial arts in 2007, and joined the UFC in 2008. Brock Lesnar made his official UFC debut at UFC 81 against former heavyweight champion Frank Mir on 2 February 2008.

In multiple interviews, Brock Lesnar mentioned that he aspired to transition into MMA from WWE as, unlike the scripted WWE matches, MMA offered unscripted, legitimate and cut-throat competition. In order to dominate the MMA cage, Brock Lesnar joined Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, and trained under coaches Greg Nelson and Erik Paulson.

• Antonio Inoki

Next, at the second spot in our list of the top four MMA fighters who chose to make a transition from other sports and dominate the octagon, we have the Japanese professional wrestler, professional wrestling trainer, martial artist, politician, and promoter of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, Antonio Inoki. Antonio Inoki always believed that in order to be a true professional wrestler, it’s crucial to have the capability of defeating real martial artists.

Therefore, Antonio Inoki himself took the plunge of transitioning into mixed martial arts and fought against numerous legendary MMA fighters of his era, including Muhammad Ali. Right after his iconic fight against Muhammad Ali, Antonio Inoki earned global recognition and undoubtedly laid the foundation for the MMA aspirants from Japan from all walks of life.

• Dan Severn

Daniel DeWayne Severn, often popularly referred to as “Dan Severn”, an American retired professional wrestler, retired mixed martial artist and amateur wrestler, is at the third spot in our list of the top four MMA fighters who have transitioned from other sports and tried to be dual threats in both arenas.

Often hailed as the leading pioneer of mixed martial arts, Dan Severn, a two-time All-American wrestler and a member of the U.S. Olympic wrestling, entered the arena of mixed martial arts quite late in his career at age 36, debuting at UFC 4 on 16 December 1994. With his sharp skill set and brutal wrestling moves, Dan Severn soon dominated the mailed martial arts and went on to have over 100 MMA fights. Dan Severn was inducted into the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame in 2005.

• Ken Shamrock

Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four MMA fighters who have transitioned from other sports and tried to be dual threats in both arenas, we have another American retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, Ken Shamrock, often hailed as “The World’s Most Dangerous Man”. With over 15 main events and co-main events in the UFC and Pride FC, Ken Shamrock has set numerous MMA pay-per-view records over the years.

Ken Shamrock created history and established himself as the first UFC Superfight Champion after defeating Dan Severn at UFC 6 (1995). Additionally, Ken Shamrock also successfully defended the Superfight title in a controversial draw against Royce Gracie (UFC 5). Moreover, Ken Shamrock was also one of the first fighters inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame (2003).

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