UFC Stars to Cross Over to WWE: Who’s Next After Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar?

By Ali Hammad June 15, 2025 10:42

The crossover between UFC and WWE has long fascinated fans, with iconic figures like Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar blazing the trail from the Octagon to the squared circle. Now, under the shared ownership of Endeavor’s TKO Group, which unites both promotions, the door is wide open for more UFC stars to make the leap to WWE. The question on everyone’s mind: who’s next to follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers?

The Legacy of Rousey and Lesnar

Ronda Rousey’s transition from UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion to WWE Raw Women’s Champion set a new standard for crossover success. Her blend of legitimate fighting credentials and charismatic presence helped WWE tap into MMA’s growing popularity. Similarly, Brock Lesnar’s dominance as a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and multiple-time WWE Champion made him a unique draw in both worlds, proving that elite combat athletes can thrive in sports entertainment.

Current UFC Stars Eyeing WWE

With the UFC and WWE now under the same corporate umbrella, the synergy between the two brands is stronger than ever. UFC President Dana White recently expressed openness to more crossover appearances, stating, “Some of the fighters that fight here have always dreamed about doing a WWE match.” White’s comments came after the departure of former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, whose strained relationship with White had previously limited collaboration.

Among the UFC fighters publicly considering a WWE future, former welterweight title challenger Colby Covington stands out. In a February 2025 interview, Covington revealed he’s eyeing a WWE transition “in the next year or two,” citing his trash-talking prowess and athleticism as assets suited for the entertainment-focused wrestling world. “He’s very exciting, he has that X-factor that you always look for,” said WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin, who also highlighted Sean Strickland’s mic skills and fighting style as ideal for WWE storytelling.

Rising UFC Stars with WWE Potential

Other UFC names generating buzz for potential WWE crossover include:

Belal Muhammad: the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion, who recently expressed interest in participating in WWE’s Royal Rumble. While his championship status makes an immediate transition unlikely, Muhammad’s charisma and competitive spirit make him a natural fit for WWE’s spectacle.
Derrick Lewis: known for his larger-than-life personality and memorable post-fight antics, has the kind of crowd-pleasing charisma that WWE values. His entertaining persona could translate well to WWE’s character-driven narratives.
Tom Aspinall: the Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, has spoken openly about his retirement plans involving WWE, even imagining teaming up with current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Aspinall’s amateur wrestling background and respect for WWE’s storytelling suggest a smooth transition when the time comes.

WWE’s Perspective on UFC Crossovers

Triple H, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, recently addressed the crossover potential on the Flagrant podcast, emphasizing that the key factor is whether a UFC fighter is an “entertainer.” He said, “You might. It just depends on who’s an entertainer and who’s not. We’re always wide open to it.” This pragmatic approach underscores WWE’s focus on character work and audience connection, not just athletic ability.

Business Synergy and Fan Excitement

The merger under TKO Group has already facilitated crossover moments UFC fighters appearing on WWE programming and vice versa creating buzz and expanding fan bases for both entities. With stars like Michael Chandler making WWE appearances and WWE talent showing up at UFC events, the lines between the two worlds are increasingly blurred.

After Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar set the precedent, a new wave of UFC fighters is poised to explore WWE’s theatrical arena. With corporate alignment, mutual openness from leadership, and a growing list of UFC stars expressing interest, the next breakout crossover could happen soon. Whether it’s Colby Covington’s trash talk, Belal Muhammad’s championship charisma, or Derrick Lewis’s crowd-pleasing antics, the WWE universe is ready to welcome its next generation of former UFC stars.