David Taylor MMA: MMA Twitter freaks out over 2020 Olympic and two-time world wrestling champion teasing MMA future

MMA Twitter was sent into overload following David Taylor's cryptic tweet that appeared to suggest he could be entering the world of mixed martial arts.

Taylor is the reigning freestyle wrestling Olympic gold medalist in the 86kg division and has won two gold medals and a silver medal at the World Championships.

The emergence of Bo Nickal, one of the most accomplished collegiate wrestlers ever, has fans excited about what Taylor could achieve in mixed martial arts.

Nickal was named the second best wrestler in the world at 86kg by UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith. 'Lionheart' claimed that the only reason Bo Nickal did not represent the USA at the Olympic Games in 2021 was because he lost the 86kg trials to David Taylor.

@LILPUP6996 believes that Taylor has left it too late to find success in MMA and said:

But @Majick666 reminded him that age is just a number for some athletes and that Daniel Cormier only entered mixed martial arts when he was 30. Cormier, who placed fourth at the 2004 Summer Olympics, went on to achieve immense success, becoming a two-division UFC champion and being inducted into the promotion's Hall of Fame.

Another fan pointed to Yoel Romero, who also competed in wrestling at the Olympics. Romero only began mixed martial arts in 2009, when he was 32, and will be competing for the Bellator light heavyweight title against Vadim Nemkov in June 2023.

Muhammad Ali's grandson responds to Jake Paul callout for MMA fight

Biaggio Ali Walsh, a surging lightweight prospect who recently signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), has responded to Jake Paul's callout for an MMA bout.

'The Problem Child' has also signed a contract with the PFL and will compete in their newly created 'superfight' division.

Furthermore, Paul called out Ali Walsh's brother, Nico, who competes as a professional boxer. 'The Problem Child' stated that he would face Biaggio Ali Walsh in a mixed martial arts contest and Nico Ali Walsh in a boxing match.

About the author

Liam is a MMA and Boxing writer at Sportskeeda. His journey into MMA journalism began with a high school diploma in 2017, but his passion for writing led him to diverse experiences, including internships in research and writing roles and accounting work.

Liam's fascination with MMA was sparked by Conor McGregor, with Dustin Poirier's bout against Dan Hooker in 2020 sealing his love for the sport. Poirier remains Liam's favorite fighter, whom he admires for his attitude, fighting style, and persona both inside and outside the cage. He is an advocate for the removal of the 12-6 elbow rule in MMA.

Liam strives to report precise and relevant information by cross-checking his work, reaching out to relevant sources for comments, and adhering to Sportskeeda's guidelines. His work has been recognized on popular MMA platforms, with his article headlines featuring in YouTube recaps and appearing onscreen during an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.

Outside of work, Liam enjoys playing cricket, practising Brazilian jiu-jitsu, cooking, music, and reading.

Know More