Which UFC fighters will switch over to WWE post-merger? Betting odds pick Conor McGregor and other A-listers
The UFC-WWE merger to form a new publicly traded company managed by Endeavor Group has sparked excitement in the MMA world. The announcement has been met with varied responses from fighters, fans, and experts.
Australian UFC fighters Robert Whittaker and Alexander Volkanovski have recently parodied WWE superstars Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin in reference to the merger. Despite their evident differences, there are many similarities between the two organizations in terms of content and culture.
With the @ufc and @WWE merger we were privileged to have super stars Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin on set. Unreal.
@NikoPajarillo @alexvolkanovski @FOXSportsAUS @MainEventTV https://t.co/4VDEFkaR3w
One of the most important aspects of being a WWE performer is charisma, and several UFC stars possess these qualities in abundance. The UFC-WWE merger has prompted fans to speculate on who among the current crop of UFC fighters will be able to naturally transition into professional wrestling.
According to Sportsbetting.ag, heavyweight contender, Derrick Lewis has emerged as the top pick for the transition to WWE. Lewis has an ongoing storyline with three-time WWE women's champion Ronda Rousey, and he's hilariously funny to boot.
Derrick Lewis KO's Travis Browne, calls him out for beating women, hollers at Ronda Rousey 😂😂😂 #SavageAF https://t.co/USGwuPBOGJ
Next on the list is Tai Tuivasa, who is well-known in the MMA world for his highlight reel knockouts and 'Shoey' celebrations. The heavyweight fighter went beyond Stone Cold's iconic beer chugging celebration by drinking beer out of people's shoes.
Needless to say, European MMA stars Conor McGregor, Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann also made the cut. McGregor's enigmatic personality, brash trash talk, and acumen for business make him one of the first names that comes to mind when one thinks of a crossover.
Check out the full list below:
1st UFC Fighter to Join WWE
Derrick Lewis +400
Tai Tuivasa +500
Molly Mcann +600
Paddy Pimblett +700 https://t.co/IxAjiVn7YU
UFC-WWE merger: Paul Heyman lashes out at Conor McGregor following violent threats
Conor McGregor reacted to the UFC and WWE merger recently by posting a photoshopped image of himself holding titles from both organizations, which prompted a response from Paul Heyman. The American promoter called the Irishman a "Roman Reigns wannabe." This infuriated McGregor, who retorted sharply at Heyman, threatening that he would break his jaw.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani on BT Sport, Heyman brushed off McGregor's threat, calling the Irishman "a clown" and saying he wouldn't pick a fight with Reigns. He stated:
"I'm not a grandfather, but I appreciate the fact that I'm old enough to be one, number one, and I'm still thriving on top. I would like to see if Conor McGregor at 57 is still thriving at the very top of his entire industry. We'll see if he's even relevant at 57. We'll see if he even lives to 57 with his lifestyle now, number two."
He added:
"He, as a Roman Reigns wannabe, did the Paul Heyman style, you know, title on each shoulder, and, you know, gave a shout out to himself, of course he did. You know, the ultimate self promoter in Conor McGregor, you know, standing nine feet tall and weighing 155 pounds and five foot four. So, with that in mind, I said, 'Look at McGregor, a Roman Reigns wannabe', and of course, you know, he said, 'Oh, be careful grandpa. I'll break your jaw in three places.'"
Check out the interview below: