Compare MMA to pro-wrestling and you’re more than likely to piss off the average MMA fan. They get all defensive about the fact that pro-wrestling is scripted while MMA is completely real and unscripted. While that’s most definitely the case, there’s no need to get all up in arms about the subject.
There are a number of instances where you see something in the WWE and think that it looks more at home in MMA. Shinsuke Nakamura’s Kinshasa or Samoa Joe’ Coquina Clutch, anyone? But, it’s not just a one-way street.
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After all, there are a number of times where you see stuff in an MMA octagon and think that the move actually belongs inside a WWE ring instead. There is absolutely nothing wrong in admitting to that fact. Both pro-wrestling and MMA require hours of training in order to achieve perfection.
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So, without any further do, here are 5 moves in MMA which pro-wrestlers would have been proud of:
#5 Matt Hughes’ Running Slam
Matt Hughes is one of the most decorated fighters to have ever stepped foot inside the octagon and is a bonafide MMA legend. Widely considered the Pound for Pound No. 1 during his time in the UFC, Hughes has more than earned his entry into the UFC Hall of Fame.
He ended his career back in 2011 with an incredible record of 45-9 in his 54 professional fights. In his prime, there was little people could do to stop Matt Hughes and this was something Frank Trigg found out the hard way.
After losing their first encounter in 2003, Trigg got his second chance against the great man two years later at UFC 52 and what followed was a clash for the ages. Hughes eventually took the victory via submission but it was what he did during the fight that really grabbed everyone’s attention.
There was an eye-popping moment where Hughes picked up his opponent, ran three-quarters of the way across the octagon and slammed Trigg with a Running Slam that would have made Braun Strowman green with envy.
You can see the amazing move in his video at around the 1 minute 50 seconds mark:
#4 Jon Jones’ German Suplex
Jon Jones is the most dominant fighter in modern MMA. The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion boasts an astonishing record of 22-1 with the only loss coming as a result of a controversial disqualification.
Bones is a physical specimen without equal and it's easy to see why he has enjoyed such immense success in his MMA career. Stephan Bonnar fell victim to the awesome power of Jones when the two squared off at UFC 94 in what was just Jones' second fight in the premier MMA promotion in the world.
While it looked like Bonnar might have a shot against the prodigiously talented youngster before the fight, all such illusions were dispelled once both men got into the octagon. Bones absolute destroyed Bonnar through three rounds to pick up the victory via decision.
What really stands out in this fight, though, is when Jones got a hold of Bonnar from the back and took him down with a perfect German Suplex – the kind Chris Benoit was famed for in his prime.
You can see the move at around the 1-minute mark in this video:
#3 Cub Swanson's Cartwheel Kick
Cub Swanson has made a name for himself as a solid Featherweight fighter and is the UFC's #4 ranked Featherweight Contender. A solid fighter with a highly respectable record of 24-7, Swanson was always good but never spectacular.
That perception was changed forever when he took on Doo Ho Choi at UFC 206 in what was judged to be the Fight of the Year. It was a contest where both men threw all caution to the wind and absolutely went for it with Swanson eventually picking up the victory via unanimous decision.
What really stands out during this spectacular contest is Cub Swanson throwing the most ridiculous cartwheel kicks which you can see here:
#2 Fabricio Werdum's Head Kick
Fabricio Werdum is one of the most respected heavyweights to have ever graced the octagon and the veteran still remains the #1 Ranked Heavyweight Contender despite a loss to champion, Stipe Miocic last year.
He bounced back from this loss with a great victory over Travis Browne at UFC 203 in one of the stranger fights to take place in the UFC. Werdum decided to open the fight with a flying head kick which connected flush with Travis Browne, although, the match didn't end quite then and there. Werdum would pick up the victory via decision at the end.
You can see a video of the kick here:
#1 Anthony Pettis' Showtime Kick
Anthony Pettis is a former UFC Lightweight Champion who has lost his way somewhat recently. Pettis boasted an impressive record of 18-2 before he lost four out his last 5 fights to bring his record down to a mediocre looking 19-6.
Despite his recent downward spiral, Pettis will always be remembered for his insane Showtime Kick against Benson Henderson which earned him a WEC Lightweight Championship. Here is a video of Pettis performing the Showtime Kick:
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