5 UFC fighters of past and present who are pro-wrestling fans

#4. Israel Adesanya

While the reigning middleweight kingpin has not adopted a pro-wrestling style gimmick to generate hype among the UFC's casual fanbase, Israel Adesanya is an avid pro-wrestling fan. 'The Last Stylebender' has also expressed a desire to work with WWE one day, although he did clarify that he doesn't intend to have a future as a full-time pro-wrestler.

Additionally, Adesanya was seen recognizing Booker T at the UFC 271 post-fight press conference, referring to the former WWE Superstar's accomplishments as a five-time WCW world heavyweight champion. Perhaps Adesanya's biggest homage to the world of professional wrestling, however, was his walkout for UFC 276. 'The Last Stylebender' chose to walk out to 'The Undertaker's theme song.

Not only did his walkout feature the Undertaker's theme music, but Adesanya also donned an old western-style hat similar to the one the Undertaker himself wore, while also carrying an urn like Paul Bearer used to as an integral part of the Undertaker character.

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#3. Colby Covington

In many ways, Colby Covington is the second coming of Chael Sonnen. Like Sonnen, Covington is a determined wrestler whose use of vitriolic trash talk has earned him fame, or infamy, depending upon how you look at it.

The former interim welterweight champion's trash-talking punctuated the outlandish persona he developed to drum up interest in his bouts after almost being released by the UFC due to a perceived lack of fan interest.

Not only has Covington expressed a desire to one day make the transition to pro-wrestling and specifically WWE, but 'Chaos' has also praised Ronda Rousey's performances as a pro-wrestler. Covington has also used legendary pro-wrestler Kurt Angle's theme music as his walkout song several times: first at UFC on ESPN 5, and lastly at UFC 272.

Furthermore, 'Chaos' has expressed enormous respect for pro-wrestlers. In 2020, the All-American described them as some of the hardest workers in the world and that he hoped to join them one day. He then praised Vince McMahon, WWE's then CEO.

To top it all off, Colby choked out a referee at an Impact Wrestling event.