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4 Olympic stars we’d like to see try MMA

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4 Olympic stars we'd like to see try MMA

As a huge fan of sports and the Olympic Games, I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their respective sports and left indelible marks on the world of athletics. These four individuals – Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Simone Biles, and LeBron James – have not only dominated their sports but have also captured the hearts and minds of millions around the globe.

As a devoted sports enthusiast, I’ve always harbored the dream of becoming an Olympian. Being an Olympian signifies reaching the summit of achievement in the vast and competitive landscape of organized sports. Merely qualifying as an Olympian indicates that you’re among the elite in your sport at the national level. And in a country like the United States, which places significant emphasis on amassing Olympic medals, numerous individuals can make a compelling case for being the best in the world on any given day.

Over the past 10 years, these four athletes have become synonymous with the Olympic games due to their unbeatable records in their respective sports. It’s fascinating to imagine how they would fare in a combat sport like MMA. Given their proven ability to commit to rigorous training regimens and thrive under pressure, the only missing piece would be comprehensive MMA skills training. Here are four intriguing names that would have generated significant buzz if they had entered the cage:

1. Michael Phelps

Starting in 2003, I became captivated by Michael Phelps’ meteoric rise to become the iconic figurehead of the US Olympic Team. Over the next thirteen years, his extraordinary achievements placed him among the greatest Olympians in history. I was in awe as he amassed an impressive total of 23 gold medals during this period. Each Olympics I followed closely became even more thrilling with Phelps being the premier storyline.

When Phelps’ superiority grew and he distinguished himself from other competitors, people began discussing and examining his rigorous training schedules. At 6 feet 4 inches tall with a wingspan of 79 inches, his daily swimming workouts and eating habits became legendary. He would train in the pool for five to six hours each day, and consume approximately 10,000 calories.

Using his athletic abilities, Phelps would have made an intriguing addition to MMA. Weighing in at 198 pounds, Phelps’ body statistics are remarkably similar to Israel Adesanya’s. Consequently, it is likely that he would have felt right at home in the middleweight category based on these comparisons.

2. Usain Bolt

At the Olympics in 2008, 2012, and 2016, Phelps excelled in the water, while Bolt shone on land. Over these three appearances, Bolt earned eight gold medals for Jamaica. With a towering height of six feet five inches and a weight of 207 pounds, Bolt’s impressive physique was tailor-made for sprinting competition.

In Bolts’ prime years, there were persistent whispers that he might pursue a career in professional soccer or football. His remarkable 4.22-second 40-yard dash time would have ranked him among the fastest at the NFL combine. Yet, it was his impressive size that made him an alluring prospect.

In much the same way that his impressive size drew attention from soccer and football recruiters, the thought of Bolts in an MMA octagon is equally captivating. With a physique remarkably similar to light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, featuring unusually long limbs for their height and weight class, Bolts’ body type is scarcely common among athletes. Adding his remarkable athleticism, showcased by a 4.22 second 40-yard dash time, makes Bolts a potential standout athlete in the transition to MMA.

3. Simone Biles

At the 2016 Olympics, Simone Biles made a sensational debut for Team USA, earning four gold medals and delivering an exceptional gymnastics performance that went down in history. However, during the 2020 Olympics, Biles faced some challenges both on and off the mat, resulting in her failing to secure any medals during individual competition. Now, she’s coming back for Paris 2024 with the determination to add more gold to her collection.

With a height of only 4 feet 8 inches, Biles is quite petite, making her an unlikely contender in MMA. However, her impressive strength and athletic abilities as an Olympian would make her a formidable force in this combat sport. If Biles were to undergo wrestling and grappling training, she could potentially overpower opponents and bring them down to the mat using submission techniques.

4. Lebron James

Picture the greatest NBA player, known for his exceptional athleticism and versatility, shifting gears towards mixed martial arts (MMA). LeBron James, an Olympic participant in 2004, 2008, and 2012, is one of the most famous Olympians since Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Standing at six feet nine inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, James would make a formidable heavyweight contender in MMA, boasting unrivaled speed and agility within the cage. Equipped with essential striking techniques and defensive wrestling abilities, James might have effortlessly adapted to this new combat sport. Given his widespread popularity over the past decade-plus, James’ entrance into MMA would have significantly boosted the sport’s profile.

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2024-07-23 01:13

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