Football and MMA are totally different things altogether, but they are both sports which require a certain level of strength and fitness. In spite of that, you wouldn’t really peg players – especially those in today’s game – for persons who would make good MMA fighters.
However, there are exceptions to all aspects of life, and the beautiful game is no different. You can definitely find a few players who could easily slot in as MMA fighters if they felt so inclined. We’ve picked out five of today’s stars - going based on their physique and temperament – who should consider a career in MMA after leaving the game.
This list is purely based on the players’ personalities and not their skills as fighters. It’s meant to be light hearted, so please make sure you take it that way! Let’s take a look at the first person on this list:
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The big Swede stands at 6 ft 5 in and weighs 209 pounds. Now plying his trade at Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won trophies all over Europe.
At 35 years of age, the prolific forward is trying to win his first Premier League title with the Red Devils, having won league titles over at Ajax, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
He got off to a hot start in England, scoring the winner in the Community shield against league champs Leicester City, as well as four goals in his first seven top-flight appearances.
Zlatan would definitely be a hit as an MMA fighter. He’s certainly a physical specimen, but he would probably only need to rely on his confidence and cockiness to get the upper hand over opponents. What also adds to his MMA potential is the fact that he is a black belt in Taekwondo and has been a practitioner for a long time!
He’s got the size, he’s got the skills, he’s got the mentality and he’s definitely got the mouth.
#2 Diego Costa
The Premier League’s leading scorer Diego Costa surely isn’t one to back down from a fight. In fact, he enjoys starting them.
The Chelsea forward came to England with a very long rap sheet and hasn’t shown any signs of relenting since signing for the Blues in 2014. Costa is on fire for both club and country this season and has scored six goals from seven league appearances, as well as three for Spain in recent World Cup qualifying action.
Standing at 6 ft 2 in and weighing in at just 178 pounds, Costa isn’t really what one would consider a towering figure. Yet his fiery character and knack for getting into scuffles would make him a perfect candidate.
He claims to have been fighting in the streets of Brazil from the days of his youth and doesn’t know any other way. WIth his instincts, the pugnacious Brazilian could have very well been a success in MMA had he chosen it over football!
Hulk
Another player hailing from Brazil, this forward isn’t known for his temper, yet with a moniker such as this, you could well imagine how powerful he is.
Named Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, the 30-year-old Shanghai SIPG man is referred to as ‘Hulk’ because of his likeness to actor Lou Ferrigno, who played the role of the Incredible Hulk back in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Like Costa, he isn’t really a towering specimen either, with a height of 5 ft 11 in and weight of 187 pounds. But you would be foolish to think that there are many defenders out there who can go toe to toe with him when it comes to a match of strength.
Hulk has been a very reliable scorer throughout his career, and represented Porto for five seasons before moving to Zenit Saint Petersburg and playing four years there.
He would surely be a success if he were to take up the challenge of the MMA with his physique and athleticism.
Adebayo Akinfenwa
Referred to as ‘The Beast’ Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa could probably be a star MMA fighter or even a WWE wrestler for that matter.
At 5 ft 11 in and 224 pounds, the 34-year-old is quite nimble on his feet - he would have to be to score goals at a decent rate, right?
Apart from his huge physical build, Akinfenwa would certainly endear himself to fans with his great banter. The English-born forward saw the funny side of being released from AFC Wimbledon during the summer and asked prospective managers to “Hit me up on Whatsapp” before being signed by Wycombe.
He also offered to play for England under Sam Allardyce’s short reign, but only on the condition that he would be served chicken as a pre-game meal. Akinfenwa would entertain both in and out of the ring, and would probably be the most popular fighter around if he ever took it up.
Pepe
The Real Madrid defender doesn’t look very imposing, but he really loves a fight. Pepe is rather prone to violent behaviour, and everyone involved in the sport knows that he’s not one to mess with.
Now 33, Pepe is still at the top of his game as a centre-back and won the European Championships earlier this year with Portugal. He also won the Champions League with Los Blancos, helping them overcome their rivals Atletico Madrid to win the big-eared trophy.
Despite his success, Pepe’s career has been tainted by a few gruesome incidents. The most infamous would certainly be his sending off after kicking Javi Casquero in a match against Getafe. He had already pushed the Spaniard to the ground, and as if that wasn’t enough, kicked him twice before getting pulled away by a teammate.
If Pepe ever thought of taking his aggression to MMA, he would probably be a wild success.
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