5 of the best Olympians to transition to the UFC

As a huge fan of mixed martial arts (MMA), I have always been in awe of the pioneers who paved the way for today’s elite fighters. Among these trailblazers, three individuals stand out to me, each with their unique backgrounds and unforgettable accomplishments.

I’m excited to share my perspective as someone who has always been passionate about sports and competition. This summer holds a special significance for me because Paris, France will be hosting the 33rd Olympiad, an event that brings together the best athletes from around the world. As a former wrestler myself, I can’t help but feel a particular connection to this year’s lineup of sporting events.

Over the past 29 years, starting from the inception of the UFC in 1993, a significant number of Olympic athletes have made the shift to MMA. Notable examples include Ben Askren, a member of the 2008 men’s freestyle team, who has thrived in MMA after his Olympic career. Preceding him were pioneers such as Matt Lindland and Kevin Jackson, who earned UFC gold early on and boasted Olympic medals from their respective tenures. The trend of Olympic athletes joining MMA ranks has gained momentum over time, and the following is a list of five exceptional fighters who have excelled in both sports.

5. Daniel Cormier

During his champion days in UFC, Daniel Cormier was recognized for his impressive wrestling skills. Following a two-year tenure at Oklahoma State University, he aimed for glory in freestyle wrestling. Between 2003 and 2008, Cormier managed to secure a spot on the US Men’s Freestyle Wrestling Team annually. This achievement earned him two Olympic appearances in the years 2004 and 2008.

At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Cormier achieved his best result with a 4th-place finish. Regrettably, his attempt to compete at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was thwarted when he experienced kidney failure during last-minute weight cuts. After retiring from Olympic wrestling, Cormier shifted gears and found success in MMA, ultimately becoming a two-time champion and earning a place in the UFC Hall of Fame.

4. Henry Cejudo

At just 18 years old, Henry Cejudo decided to skip college and focus on making the U.S. Mens Freestyle Olympic Team in 2008. His determination paid off when he earned a spot on the team, going on to win America’s sole wrestling gold medal at the Beijing Olympics that year. This remarkable achievement was made even more noteworthy by the fact that Cejudo became the youngest American wrestler ever to claim an Olympic gold medal, at the age of 21, under the guidance of former Olympic and UFC champion Kevin Jackson.

At the 2012 Olympics trials, Cejudo made an attempt but unfortunately came up short. After leaving wrestling behind unofficially, Cejudo joined the UFC in 2014. With hard work and determination, Cejudo reached the top of the UFC ladder in 2018, defeating Demetrious Johnson to claim the title as the first fighter with an Olympic gold medal and a divisional championship (125 pounds). In 2019, while still holding onto his 125-pound title, Cejudo went on to capture the UFC championship in the next weight class (135 pounds), further cementing his remarkable wrestling legacy.

Cejudo’s career started to slow down after he achieved double champion status in 2020, leading him to retire. However, this retirement was brief as he returned to competition in 2023 with the goal of winning the 135-pound title. Unfortunately, he failed to regain the championship and is currently on a two-fight losing streak. Despite these setbacks, Cejudo remains ranked fifth in the world at 135 pounds and continues to aspire towards reclaiming the gold.

3. Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey, a two-time Olympic medalist who earned a bronze medal in 2008, is among the leading trailblazers in the UFC’s history. Following her successful international and Olympic judo tenure, Rousey moved into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), becoming the inaugural female UFC champion with an impressive six title defenses during her reign. Once Strikeforce was acquired by the UFC, Rousey’s influence compelled Dana White to establish a women’s division within the UFC – something he had previously been reluctant to do.

In 2013, Rousey dramatically transformed the landscape of women’s MMA and MMA as a whole with her electrifying presence. Known for her bold personality and destructive judo techniques in MMA fighting, she was an unmissable powerhouse in the sport. After retiring from MMA in 2016, Rousey made her mark in WWE by headlining Wrestlemania as one of the first women to do so. In 2018, she made history once again by being the inaugural female inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.

2. Mark Coleman

At the 1992 Olympics, Mark Coleman represented the United States in men’s freestyle wrestling with a weight of 100kg. He was the first major collegiate wrestler to make a successful transition into mixed martial arts (MMA) during the 1990s. Following his Olympic appearance, Coleman moved on to MMA. His debut in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) took place at UFC 10, where he won all three of his matches and claimed the title. He repeated this feat at UFC 11. However, it was at UFC 12 that Coleman faced Dan Severn in a historic bout to determine the first UFC Heavyweight Champion. This fight marked the introduction of weight classes and signified the shift from the previous tournament-style format.

After securing his first UFC heavyweight title victory at UFC 12, Coleman experienced a rollercoaster ride in his MMA career. Following this win, he suffered three consecutive defeats within the UFC, leading to his departure from the promotion. Subsequently, Coleman moved to Japan and competed in Pride FC, emerging victorious as the inaugural champion of the Pride Grand Prix tournament.

Coleman concluded his UFC career, which began there, with a 2008 Hall of Fame induction. Despite this recognition, he still had fights left in him, going 1-2 in the UFC to end his professional tenure. Coleman is a MMA legend who paved the way for high-level wrestlers in the sport.

1. Kayla Harrison

I firmly believe that Kayla Harrison’s name should be prominently featured on any list showcasing great Olympic athletes. Her accomplishments in judo are nothing short of remarkable, and her story is a testament to hard work, determination, and resilience.

Following the end of her judo participation at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Harrison moved into MMA towards the end of that year. Making her MMA debut in 2018, she quickly gained recognition and became a highly anticipated prospect. With an impressive record of 16 victories and one unexpected defeat in the PFL, Harrison shocked the MMA world by joining the UFC. Her first bout under the UFC banner was set for UFC 300 in April 2024, where she defeated former UFC champion Holly Holm in an efficient manner.

Harrison is confidently poised for greater impact in the coming months and is expected to compete for UFC championships within the next year. Given her impressive athleticism and exceptional martial arts skills, it’s just a question of when she will add a UFC title belt to her collection, joining her esteemed Olympic gold medals.

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2024-07-17 22:14