Wrestlers Turned MMA Fighters

With a former college wrestler and WWE star sitting atop the UFC's heavyweight division, it only seems fitting that we acknowledge the one-time grapplers who have taken MMA by storm. Going back in time, here are some of the top wrestlers turned MMA fighters.

We start at the top, with the UFC's heavyweight champ, Brock Lesnar. The former-WWE star still receives criticism for his time with the professional wrestling organization, but his true wrestling skills deserve anything but. At Bismarck (N.D.) State College and the University of Minnesota, Lesnar (standing) won an NJCAA championship, was twice named an NJCAA All-American, claimed the NCAA title in 2000 (a year after finishing second) and earned two Big Ten Conference Championships. After his time with the WWE, Lesnar quickly took to mixed martial arts, where, just four bouts into his professional career, he defeated Randy Couture for the UFC title.