5 MMA fights we want to see in a WWE ring

Many fans already know this by now, but it's pretty obvious to see that there is a real connection between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. We've seen a string of fighters make their way over into the squared circle, and on the flip side, plenty of pro wrestlers have decided to take up a spot inside the Octagon.

While it may seem a little crazy to suggest this, we legitimately believe there is a place in WWE for legitimate mixed martial arts bouts to take place. You'd need to have the right kind of stars involved in the fight, but there's a way to do it successfully - and while WWE may not trust themselves with that kind of responsibility, the art of fantasy booking ensures that you can be as ridiculous as you want.

Today, we want to run through five fights that may seem crazy, but that could actually work under the right set of circumstances.

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#5 CM Punk vs Matt Riddle

We know, we know

This is immediately going to be viewed as the most ridiculous selection of them all, and there are certainly grounds to believe in that theory. After all, Matt Riddle was able to achieve an 8-3 pro record in MMA, whereas CM Punk's tally currently rests at 0-2.

However, the two men were both considered to be welterweights once upon a time, and we quite like the contrast between their personalities.

WWE doesn't necessarily have to go down this avenue but if they did, it would almost certainly be an indication that they want to get Riddle over in a big way.

They'd have to convince Punk to actually come back first, and we think this could be an intriguing incentive that he might stop and consider. It's unlikely, but it's somewhat plausible.

#4 Becky Lynch vs Sonya Deville

The challenger rises

While many challengers have tried to step up and take the crown from Becky Lynch, one that we believe hasn't been given enough of a shot is none other than Sonya Deville.

In addition to being one of the most fascinating characters in the women's division, she also happens to possess a legitimate background in mixed martial arts. Some will suggest that Shayna Baszler would be best suited for a fight like this, but in that instance, it just feels like the odds would be tipped too far in favor of Baszler.

Lynch may not have had a pro fight, but the fact that she's trained at SBG with John Kavanagh is enough proof for us to believe that she could be in with a shot of causing what would probably be regarded as an upset.

If you want to draw more eyes to the women's division, and especially Lynch's time as champion, this is the right way to do it. If nothing else, the visibility it'll give Deville will be huge.

#3 Cain Velasquez vs Brock Lesnar 2

A rematch for the ages

While we did see a 'rematch' of sorts between these two long-time rivals over in Saudi Arabia, it was done under the constraints of professional wrestling. If they want to do this rematch in a way that could also bring in some casual MMA viewers, then sanctioning a legitimate scrap (as difficult as that may be) could be the direction they go in.

It isn't exactly outside the realms of possibility, with some even suggesting this could've happened over in the UFC before both men walked away from the promotion. The ending to the Saudi Arabia showdown between Cain Velasquez and Brock Lesnar wasn't exactly viewed as a satisfying way to conclude their rivalry, and you just know WWE wants to cash in on it.

Pretty much everyone has wanted to see Brock test himself inside the cage at least one more time, especially after there were so many rumors a few years back that he was going to make the jump back over to the UFC in order to fight Daniel Cormier.

#2 Ronda Rousey vs Shayna Baszler

Friends turned enemies

These two members of the Four Horsewomen have been through a lot together, and that goes for their time in pro wrestling in addition to what they were able to accomplish in mixed martial arts.

Both Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler could quite easily rule their respective kingdoms for as long as they choose to do so, but the real moneymaker would be to have them square off against one another in an MMA fight. While Ronda may be the clear favorite when you compare their records against one another, we've just got a feeling that she'll be more than a bit anxious to step back into the cage after what happened against Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.

Baszler, on the other hand, would have nothing to lose. There's an argument to be made that these two would never agree to square off in such a setting, but if WWE wants to ensure that the fans are given a fight that's worth their time, these two will almost certainly be able to provide that service.

#1 Brock Lesnar vs Bobby Lashley

It's been a long time coming

It's a match that we've all been waiting to see ever since Bobby Lashley made his return to WWE - and for some reason, it hasn't quite come to fruition just yet.

If they want to make this match as big as it possibly can be, then let's get a UFC vs Bellator superfight going. Both men have enjoyed success in mixed martial arts in their own right, both are capable of telling a great story, and both would probably be up for showing us what they've still got left in the tank.

Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley are established enough to know that they wouldn't really be hurt all too much by a loss, and given the fact that they're both heavyweights, you can just about guarantee that we'd see fireworks.

Whether or not WWE would commit to this idea or any of the previous ideas, is a different matter altogether - but sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone isn't the worst idea in the world.