WWE President: With Merger, UFC Fighters Could Extend Career in Sports Entertainment

A historic day. The most exciting time in our industry that I’ve ever been a part of.

…Are you ready? @TKOGrp @ufc pic.twitter.com/OaVukRSuOb

— Triple H (@TripleH) September 12, 2023

The UFC-WWE merger could have an impact on the careers of some mixed martial artists.

The two companies, which now operate under the umbrella of TKO Holdings, will remain largely separate when it comes to day-to-day operations. However, WWE president Nick Khan acknowledged the possibility that UFC athletes might have options in sports entertainment as their fighting careers draw to a close.

“UFC fighters are going to stay focused on the UFC, and WWE superstars obviously do something different in our ring,” Khan told ESPN. “… But you also see in the UFC people with big personalities who, once their UFC run is done, once the UFC and the fighter says, ‘Hey, maybe now’s the time to call it a day,’ could those people have a longer life at WWE, an extended life with TKO? We think so.”

There have been some high-profile crossovers between the two companies in recent years. Perhaps the most notable was Brock Lesnar, who left the WWE to become UFC heavyweight champion in just his third bout. He become one of the promotion’s biggest draws during his Octagon tenure, and his name consistently comes up regarding rumors of a UFC return. Meanwhile, ex-UFC bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey went the other direction, moving to the WWE after a successful career as the biggest female star in MMA.

Regardless of what the future might hold, there is hope that both organizations will gain new fans as a result of the high-profile merger.

"Where we want to get is where every UFC fan is a WWE fan and every WWE fan is a UFC fan," UFC senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Lawrence Epstein said.