Many of WWE’s biggest names have tried their hand at MMA over the years.
Brock Lesnar remains in remarkable condition nearly two decades after entering the UFC Octagon for the first time in 2008.
Others, such as Ronda Rousey, have found major success both inside the cage and the wrestling ring, though not every crossover athlete has reached that level.
CM Punk openly acknowledged making errors before controversially losing two UFC fights in 2016 and 2018.
One fighter who never made it to the top MMA promotions still showed promise with some dominant performances, including a notable fight on this day in 2010.
Bobby Lashley Shines in His Sole Strikeforce Victory
Bobby Lashley, a former two-time WWE World Champion and current AEW competitor, has also carved out a respectable MMA career.
The ex-college wrestler and U.S. Army sergeant has competed in MMA 17 times, including a five-fight win streak in Bellator.
Lashley debuted in Strikeforce on January 30, 2010, appearing on a card featuring MMA greats such as Nick Diaz, Cris Cyborg, and Robbie Lawler.
He faced Wes Sims, a former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member and UFC competitor who came in on a three-fight win streak.
Despite Sims’ size advantage at 6’9″, Lashley quickly took him down and delivered a barrage of strikes to finish the fight in just over two minutes.
Known for representing Donald Trump in WrestleMania 23’s “Battle of the Billionaires,” Lashley lost his second and final Strikeforce bout via doctor stoppage.
Though he last fought in 2016, Lashley has teased a possible return to MMA at 49 years of age.
Wes Sims Sparks Rivalry with Frank Mir After Controversial UFC Debut
Before competing on “The Ultimate Fighter” season 10 in 2009, Wes Sims had an unusual three-fight UFC run.
He was disqualified in his UFC debut at UFC 43 in 2003 for stomping on Frank Mir’s face while holding the cage for balance.
Their rematch at UFC 46 saw Mir stop Sims by TKO in the second round, avenging the earlier incident.
Sims’ final UFC fight ended in a loss to Mike Kyle, who was penalized for biting Sims, though Sims was ultimately released from the promotion.
Fan Take: The crossover between WWE and MMA continues to fascinate fans, showing the challenges and successes of athletes adapting between the two worlds. Stories like Lashley’s and Lesnar’s perseverance highlight how combat sports can benefit from such multi-disciplinary talents, potentially drawing new audiences and evolving both sports.
