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The worlds of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) tend to overlap more than most people care to admit, despite the fact that both industries could serve to benefit from partnering up more often. There have been MMA fighters that have tried their hand at sports entertainment, and vice versa – which is what we’re here to talk about today.
Just to clarify we won’t be discussing the Ken Shamrocks and Dan Severns of the world, because they aren’t proper examples of pure pro wrestlers who see this industry as their main source of income. We can guarantee that you would’ve heard all six names on this list, with all of them being a big part of the WWE family at one point or another.
Of course, many will gloat over the exemption of CM Punk, but we shouldn’t be mocking a man for actively deciding to go into a cage and fight. He has all the money in the world and didn’t need to take on this new challenge, but the fact that he did shows what kind of guy he really is.
With that in mind, here are six professional wrestlers with the best MMA records.
#6 Riddle - MMA Record: 8-3-2
Riddle is one of the most entertaining acts in WWE right now. His pairing with Randy Orton as RK-Bro has revived the tag-team division singlehandedly. But much before he was the goofy wrestler we all love, Riddle was a fierce MMA fighter.
Starting his MMA career in UFC, the Original Bro had an impressive four-win streak before he was fired for smoking Marijuana in 2013. The two no contests were won by Riddle, with the change in the decision coming after he was tested positive for cannabis.
#5 Shinsuke Nakamura – 3-1-1
The King of Strong Style isn’t just a nickname – it’s seemingly a way of life when it comes to Shinsuke Nakamura. The Japanese sensation has been on fire ever since arriving in WWE, with his recent pairing with Rick Boogs and rivalry with Bloodline bringing him into the limelight again.
Many years prior to this, however, Nakamura was also involved in K-1 MMA in addition to fighting in Brazil and numerous cities around Japan. With an impressive 3-1 record with one no contest, there’s no shame in the fact that Shinsuke’s one and only loss came to Gracie (Daniel).
#4 Jack Gallagher – 2-0
Jack Gallagher made headlines debuting in WWE at the Cruiserweight Classic. The Manchester-born performer seemed like he was born for a career in sports entertainment, but it wasn’t until fans online did a bit of digging that they realized Gallagher had also dabbled in the world of mixed martial arts.
Gallagher, who was released by WWE in 2020, has seen off the challenges of two competitors in his career thus far – with one coming by submission within two minutes of the fight beginning.
With Gallagher set to debut for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship later this year, it remains to be seen when the Gentleman makes his return to the world of MMA.
#3 Alberto Del Rio – 9-6
The ever-controversial Alberto Del Rio is perhaps one of the toughest men to ever compete in WWE, with the Mexican holding nine professional wins across his tenure in mixed martial arts. With most of his bouts taking place in Japan and Mexico, Del Rio built up a solid name for himself after going on a six-fight win streak.
A few of his performances were in the Pride promotion, with Alberto even coming face-to-face with the legendary Cro Cop back in 2003. Unfortunately, things didn’t go that well as he lost via a head kick.
He returned to the MMA world in 2019, fighting Tito Ortiz. However, Ortiz was able to win the fight within the first round.
#2 Brock Lesnar – 5-3
Brock Lesnar is a man who succeeds in everything he does, and the former NCAA Champion certainly carried that moniker forward into the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Following a quick victory in his debut, Lesnar quickly made the jump over to the biggest fighting promotion in the world – and it’s safe to say that he left his mark.
Brock became the UFC Heavyweight Champion, defeating the legendary Randy Couture to claim the prize. Despite later losses to Alistair Overeem and Cain Velasquez he’ll forever be immortalized for his immense power and fantastic presence in the octagon, with many considering him to be one of the biggest draws in the company’s history.
#1 Bobby Lashley – 15-2
Bobby Lashley was tipped for greatness in WWE, running down numerous superstars on his way to the top of the card. Despite a big-time match at WrestleMania 23 and a WWE Championship opportunity against John Cena, things never quite seemed to click in the company for Bobby.
Fast forward a few years and Lashley was able to make a flourishing MMA career that has seen him shoot towards the top of the rankings in Bellator. Following a successful run in Bellator MMA, Lashley made his return to WWE, going on to win the Intercontinental, United States and the WWE Championship.
