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22 Mar, 2025
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Matt Riddle Reveals WWE Star Who Could Dominate In UFC
@Source: newsweek.com
Despite his current success as the MLW World Champion, Matt Riddle continues to keep an eye on the world of mixed martial arts and its relationship with professional wrestling.During an interview with Sportskeeda, when prompted to identify a professional wrestler with the potential for a successful transition to MMA, Riddle's first response was to dismiss CM Punk. This dismissal referenced Punk's ultimately unsuccessful run in the UFC."Well, not CM Punk, no disrespect, but not him," Riddle stated. "He already did it. It wasn't good." Riddle highlighted Chad Gable among the current WWE roster as possessing significant potential for success in mixed martial arts."I think somebody that would be really good if he worked on Jiu-Jitsu would be somebody like Chad Gable. He's a high-level wrestler. If he gets a couple of jits guys, a couple strikers, he will smash them and wipe the mat with them."In addition to Gable, Matt Riddle identified Otis and Angelo Dawkins as WWE Superstars possessing the attributes to potentially excel in MMA. However, they've never taken a serious step in that direction.More news: Jade Cargill Involved In Backstage Confrontation With WWE Star: ReportRiddle's transition to professional wrestling was preceded by a short but impactful stint in mixed martial arts. His MMA career, spanning from 2008 to 2014, saw him compile a record of eight wins, three losses, and two no contests, competing in the welterweight division.Riddle's initial exposure to the MMA world came during his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 7 in 2008, where he gained a following for a devastating knockout victory over Dan Simmler, fracturing his opponent's jaw. This performance earned him a contract with the UFC, where he competed from 2008 to 2013. Despite achieving several victories, Riddle's UFC tenure was cut short due to multiple failed drug tests related to marijuana use, leading to his release from the promotion.Following his departure from the UFC, Riddle briefly signed with Bellator, though he never competed for the organization. He opted to pursue a career in professional wrestling afterward.Gable's journey to WWE stardom is rooted in a strong amateur wrestling foundation. He clinched the Minnesota State Championship in 2004 at the 103-pound weight class at the 2012 US Olympic Trials, where he won in the 84-kilogram division, earning him a spot at the 2012 London Olympics.More WWE News: Cody Rhodes Rejected The Rock's Legitimate Push For Him To Turn Heel WWE's Plans For Next Saturday Night's Main Event Revealed Ric Flair Sends Warning To John Cena Ahead Of WWE WrestleMania For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
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