5 MMA fighters who have appeared on AEW

The relationship between MMA and professional wrestling is a complicated one. While the two are undeniably linked, there are also several substantial differences that make transitioning from one to another easier said than done.

A great example of this is CM Punk. Punk was one of the most popular performers in all of WWE and has become incredibly successful in AEW. In between, however, Punk twice attempted to compete in the UFC octagon and was unable to pick up a victory in either attempt.

With that being said, Punk was first trained in professional wrestling, so his move to mixed martial arts was always going to be a challenging one. For fighters moving in the other direction, from mixed martial arts to pro-wrestling, there is a more extended history of success stories.

One only has to look at Ronda Rousey to see how an athlete can transition between the two and achieve immense success in both. While Rousey's success has come in WWE, there are several former MMA fighters who are starting to have some success in rival promotion AEW.

Here are five MMA fighters who have appeared on AEW:

Honorable mentions: Andrei Arlovski, Austin Vanderford, Junior dos Santos, Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort.

---

#5. Henry Cejudo - flyweight/bantamweight MMA fighter

Henry Cejudo holds a professional record of 16-2

Henry Cejudo has already achieved far more than most combat athletes dream of. He defeated possibly the greatest flyweight in Demetrious Johnson to win the UFC title. After defending that belt, he then moved up a weight class and defeated Marlon Moraes for the bantamweight gold to earn champ-champ status.

He also has an Olympic gold medal in amateur wrestling. In professional wrestling, however, Cejudo is a little less decorated. To date, he has made just one appearance on AEW. Cejudo provided backup for Mike Tyson as he confronted Chris Jerricho's Inner Circle.

Since then, Cejudo confirmed he was in talks with AEW regarding a potential contract with the company. However, that no longer seems to be on the cards. Instead, 'Triple C' has had great success coaching other UFC fighters. He has also indicated that he may return to the octagon after retiring in 2020.

#4. Kayla Harrison - featherweight/lightweight MMA fighter

Harrison holds a professional record of 12-0

It's surprising that we still don't know where the hottest free agent in MMA will be fighting next. The former two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo has transitioned expertly to mixed martial arts and is now a former two-time PFL lightweight champion. However, it's safe to say her next stop will not be AEW.

Kayla Harrison trains at American Top Team and appeared on AEW alongside head coach Dan Lambert, who bought a number of pro-fighters. She was involved in an altercation between the ATT group and Chris Jericho's Inner Circle but does not seem interested in returning to AEW any time soon.

She has since stated that her AEW was very much a one-off and remains fully focused on her martial arts career. Most recently, it appeared as though the front-runner to sign Kayla Harrison was the PFL. However, with a deal yet to be reached, who knows what her future will hold.

---

#3. Paige VanZant - flyweight MMA fighter

VanZant holds a professional record of 8-5

Paige VanZant may not be as decorated as some of the other names on this list in terms of MMA resumes. With that being said, she appeared like a natural on AEW programming and may be the best placed to make the transition to pro-wrestling successfully.

While VanZant's initial introduction to AEW fans may have been similar to Harrison's, her role on-screen has grown. The week following her debut appearance, VanZant was back and the following week attacked Chris Jerricho. More recently, she was highlighted in a brawl with Brandi Rhodes.

Away from AEW, VanZant remains under contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship but has mentioned that she would like to return to martial arts. Given she is still only 27 and once held a three-fight win streak in the UFC, she could still have plenty of success in either MMA or the world of pro-wrestling.

#2. Amanda Nunes - bantamweight/featherweight MMA fighter

Nunes holds a professional record of 21-5

Amanda Nunes may go down in history as the greatest female MMA fighter of all time. While she recently suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Julianna Peña, she will have the opportunity to avenge that defeat in an upcoming rematch. Should she win that, she will be right back at the top of the pile.

While her UFC career may be historic, her run in the pro-wrestling world was not quite so noteworthy. Nunes received some camera time but was essentially just an audience member during her only appearance on AEW. She didn't accompany Dan Lambert to the ring or save him from a beating.

Given she has since parted ways with American Top Team, a follow-up appearance seem unlikely at the moment. Instead, her full focus is likely on her rematch with Peña as Nunes attempts to reclaim her UFC bantamweight title.

---

#1. Jorge Masvidal - welterweight MMA fighter

Masvidal holds a professional record of 35-15

During the same segment as Nunes, Jorge Masvidal made his debut appearance on AEW. While his role was similarly minimal initially, Masvidal has since made further appearances and has even gotten involved in some of the matches.

Masvidal certainly seems like a good fit for pro wrestling. He has a ready-made finishing move in his signature flying knee and is quickly recognizable with his long hair and silk shirts. He's also one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts and commands a loyal army of fans.

However, don't expect him to appear anytime soon, as he is currently preparing for a big-time grudge match against Colby Covington at UFC 272. Given the bad blood they have, that will be a huge fight for Masvidal as he looks to avoid going on a three-fight skid.

Poll : Who would make the better professional wrestler?

Paige VanZant

Jorge Masvidal

64 votes

View Discussion 0