Which MMA Fighters Could Thrive in WWE?
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Crossover between MMA and professional wrestling is nothing new. But, only a select few fighters have the charisma, presence, and showmanship to truly succeed in WWE.
Conor McGregor is the most obvious candidate—his sharp promo skills, undeniable aura, and massive following make him a natural fit. Derrick Lewis was even reportedly in talks with WWE back in May 2024. Then there’s Colby Covington, who once appeared on IMPACT Wrestling and fully embraces the over-the-top persona wrestling thrives on. His gimmick mirrors the worst of wrestling’s classic heels. But, every promotion needs a villain, and few generate heat like Colby.
With WWE and UFC now under the same TKO umbrella, the door is open for fighters to transition into pro wrestling. While we haven’t seen much movement in the other direction, it’s only a matter of time before someone like Julius Creed makes the leap. However, not every fighter is cut out for the squared circle—pro wrestling is a unique world with a passionate fanbase that demands respect for the craft.
So, who has what it takes? Read about the fighters who could actually thrive in WWE:
Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler made a surprise appearance on WWE Raw in 2024, cutting a fiery promo in the lead-up to his long-anticipated fight with McGregor—a fight that never came to fruition. Let’s be honest, Chandler is a perfect fit for WWE. His energy, charisma, and mic skills make him a natural. If he ever decides to hang up the gloves, a switch to pro wrestling seems like a no-brainer.
What many might not remember is that Chandler actually has some history with WWE. He once trained The Bella Twins in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu during a random episode of Total Bellas. He’s one electrifying, wildly entertaining, handsome motherf****r who is always in peak physical shape. So, if there’s anyone tailor-made for WWE, it’s him.
Phumi Nkuta
Phumi Nkuta is a bonafide superstar in the making. With legitimate pro wrestling experience already under his belt, he may have the smoothest transition to WWE of anyone on this list. A product of wrestling from his earliest combat days, Nkuta’s background is tailor-made for the squared circle—and his off-the-charts charisma only adds to the package. Even CM Punk gave Nkuta a nod, calling him the “best flyweight in the world” in a February 20th Instagram story.
Though he hasn’t cracked into the big leagues of MMA, his career is nothing short of decorated. Phumi captured multiple amateur titles across various promotions, held and defended the CFFC flyweight title, but never got the UFC call. In 2021, he stepped away from the sport to focus on professional wrestling.
“Turbo” made his pro wrestling debut at House of Glory (HOG) in December. He shocked fans by upsetting former WWE and UFC veteran Matt Riddle. It feels inevitable that Nkuta adds HOG gold to his collection soon. After a brief break, he returned to MMA in 2023 and hasn’t lost since—going 7-0 and even making his LFA debut. Despite his return to the sport, the New Jersey native’s pro wrestling story is far from finished. If he ever makes the full-time switch, Nkuta would be a perfect fit for WWE.
Bo Nickal
If Bo Nickal were to make the jump to WWE, he’d join the ranks of NCAA Division I champions turned WWE stars like Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle. Nickal himself has cited Lesnar as a blueprint—someone who’s conquered the NCAA, UFC, and WWE worlds. With WWE’s proven track record of turning collegiate athletes into successful WWE superstars, the switch seems inevitable at this point.
Just last year, Nickal expressed serious interest in a future transition to WWE via a post on X, hinting that the move could be on his radar. Since joining the UFC in 2023, he has already become a polarizing figure—cheered by some, booed by others. It’s the kind of crowd response that WWE thrives on, especially now with the TKO partnership blurring the lines between both promotions. Nickal’s ability to draw eyes, and a reaction, makes him a perfect fit for the world of sports entertainment.
Will he make the leap? Time will tell. But with his drive and dedication, there’s every reason to believe Bo Nickal could thrive in WWE once his UFC journey runs its course.
Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant deserves more respect than she currently receives. Despite making significant money outside of the fight world, she remains a consistent presence. As most know, she has fought in the UFC. However, she also had a stint in BKFC, stepping into fight with bare knuckles. She has tested herself in boxing, and even participated in Power Slap. Beyond combat sports, Paige had a brief run in AEW as part of the ATT faction. This led to her first match—a Six-Man Tag Team Match at Double or Nothing in May 2022.
She’s proven herself time and time again in whatever sport she’s chosen. With the perfect look for WWE, if she shifts her focus away from OnlyFans-type content and fully commits to training in professional wrestling, she could do well. Just look at what Lola Vice has accomplished since signing with WWE…
Dalton Rosta
Dalton Rosta is one of the best-suited names on this list, especially considering his time with the American Top Team faction in AEW. Rosta’s brief involvement with the promotion could serve as the perfect springboard for a successful pro wrestling career. After all, how many MMA fighters can say they’ve elbowed Chris Jericho in the face? When asked about a potential transition to WWE, Rosta made it clear that he would “100% take the opportunity without a second thought.”
In MMA, looks and size are secondary when it’s time to fight. But in WWE, a strong appearance can go a long way—and Rosta certainly has that. Standing at 6 feet tall, shredded, and weighing well over 200 pounds outside of camp, Rosta fits the physical mold. With the nickname “Hercules,” he’s a natural powerhouse that would have all eyes on him. He’s well-spoken, well-dressed, and exudes the confidence one sees in future champions. On top of that, he previously dated someone who trained at the WWE Performance Center, giving him a solid understanding of what it takes behind the scenes.
Despite being early in his career, his stock is on the rise, making him someone to watch closely as he progresses. You can catch him in the PFL Middleweight Single-Elimination Tournament this year for the first time.
Tom Aspinall
Speaking to SunSport at WWE Live in Manchester, Tom Aspinall revealed, “When I retire from MMA, I’m switching over to WWE.” The British fighter could very well follow in the footsteps of former UFC champion Brock Lesnar. During the house show, Aspinall was brought out to the ring alongside World Heavyweight Champion Gunther and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. He looked right at home, fitting in seamlessly with the who’s who of WWE.
When you think about it, Aspinall is a natural fit for professional wrestling. He has the size, look, and charisma to thrive. With a growing fanbase that would follow him, he’s already built a strong foundation. Aspinall is also well-spoken, adding another layer to his appeal. While he’d likely be positioned as a babyface, he’s one of the few heavyweights who could truly embrace the WWE world and excel.
Honorable Mentions
Although CJ LaFragola is early in his MMA career, he should seriously consider a move to pro wrestling. A former D1 wrestler, two-time captain, and three-time NCAA qualifier at Brown University, his athletic resume speaks for itself. He is just an all-around gifted multi-sport athlete. Not only is he absolutely shredded, but he also gets frequent comparisons to Jalen Hurts. The best part? He’s a pro wrestling fan who’s been spotted weighing in before fights wearing American Nightmare underwear.
Adrian Yanez seems to tune into WWE every week without fail. You might not have guessed he’s a big fan… But, with how hot WWE has been lately, it’s clear he’s been paying attention. While it may not seem like he’d thrive in WWE at first glance, sometimes being a passionate fan is all it takes. He’s already an exceptional athlete with a growing following.
As for Kurt Holobaugh, fighters like him could also surprise us. He is already participating in local pro wrestling shows, and from the looks of it, it may lead to a match sooner than we think. MMA fighters have crossed over into pro wrestling with varying degrees of success. But, the ones who thrive are always the ones putting in the work beforehand. It seems Holobaugh is preparing himself for a future inside the squared circle once his MMA career is over.
Julianna Peña is unapologetic, and her no-holds-barred personality makes her a natural fit as a heel. She has a knack for drawing heat in the MMA world, a trait that would easily translate to pro wrestling. Peña excels at fueling personal feuds with her opponents, often using sharp trash talk to stoke the fire. We saw a glimpse of this when she took aim at Ronda Rousey in 2022, and in the lead-up to both Amanda Nunes fights.
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