UFC star Israel Adesanya, who made an Undertaker-themed entrance last week, 'definitely' wants to try WWE in the future
- Israel Adesanya is eyeing a part-time future role at pro wrestling firm WWE.
- The UFC middleweight champion is one of the best athletes in all MMA.
Israel Adesanya could be the next top MMA star to cross over and compete in the WWE.
The UFC's middleweight champion — the fourth-best fighter in all MMA, according to Insider — defended his title for the fifth time with a decision win over knockout puncher Jared Cannonier at UFC 276.
Channeling the iconic WWE superstar The Undertaker, Adesanya walked to the Octagon Saturday night, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and carrying an urn with his opponent's name on it while the famous "Rest In Peace" theme song was played full volume at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The fight was even seen by former WWE chairman Vince McMahon; his daughter Stephanie McMahon, who is the interim CEO; her husband and WWE executive, Triple-H; and WWE color commentator Pat McAfee, who all had front row seats.
BT Sport asked Adesanya about his walk-out and WWE fandom after the event.
"I didn't even realize the McMahons were even in the house tonight," Adesanaya told BT Sport presenter Caroline Pearce. "That's pretty cool. Triple-H, too."
Adesanya said he grew up as a kid in the WWE's "Attitude Era" and rehearsed moves at home with friends. He'd even play certain theme songs to get in the mood ahead of his play-fighting.
"I play those tracks," he said. "The Bautista entrance, Stone Cold entrance, just to get in the mood while we wrestle and get in the trenches. Even The Undertaker's theme. It comes to me … just for the show."
On whether a move to WWE, even if temporary, is something that excites him, Adesanya said: "Definitely that's something I will try my hand at later on. Just for fun."
He then clarified that it wouldn't be "a full-time job" but stressed that he does want to join the WWE, or something similar to it, in the near future.
Adesanya would do it for "the entertainment factor because I grew up jumping off the couch, broke my arm, doing shooting stars. I'm living my dream."
Adesanya would join other MMA stars who have transitioned to pro wrestling
Former Bellator MMA novice Valerie Loureda signed a multi-year contract with WWE last month, according to ESPN, and moves to the WWE Performance Center July 19.
"I'm an entertainer," Loureda told the sports publication. "I love glamour. I love production. I love storytelling.
"And when I saw the WWE, I realized this is everything I'm good at in one place. Not only that, but I saw the opportunity to be the first Cuban American woman to be a WWE superstar."
Loureda isn't the only MMA alumna to try pro wrestling: Paige Vanzant, a former UFC star, is currently signed to WWE rival All Elite Wrestling.
Previously, Ronda Rousey left UFC to join WWE and become a women's champion for the SmackDown and Raw brands, after winning Rookie of the Year prizes in 2018.
Earlier this year she won the women's Royal Rumble at one of the premier WWE events of the year.
Arguably the most famous dual competitor at both the UFC and WWE is Brock Lesnar who has won multiple championships with both organizations.