WWE and UFC have been blaring the differences in their sectors of 'combat sports.' The Connecticut-based promotion has always emphasized its association with being 'sports entertainment' oriented.
UFC's parent company, Endeavor, purchased WWE earlier this year. Additionally, the design of the new World Heavyweight Championship seemingly garnered inspiration from UFC Titles, hinting at potential changes in the future. Although Triple H addressed the situation on an edition of RAW where he claimed that WWE was not going anywhere, fans have been quick to notice a few transformations already.
On the latest edition of RAW, Brock Lesnar challenged Cody Rhodes to a 'fight' at Night of Champions. The intensity of his previous feats and immense display of strength and dominance in the ring is partly owed to his brutality during his UFC days. This could be an insinuation that WWE could bring in a hellacious UFC-type match leading to the feud continuing till SummerSlam.
Additionally, Conor McGregor called out Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman on social media last week, teasing a feud. His expansive MMA career enabled The Notorious One to hold two belts in 2016. McGregor held the UFC Lightweight and Featherweight titles and was then known as the 'champ champ.' Since the hints of a crossover are there, we wouldn't be a surprise if the two companies eventually come together for an event.
Corey Graves deleted his Tweet! More details HERE.
Below is a list of dream matches between UFC and WWE stars in the event of a Forbidden Door-like show, barring the aforementioned:
#4. Rey Mysterio vs. Demetrious Johnson
When Rey Mysterio first appeared on the wrestling scene, many thought his height could hamper his career. However, he persevered and soon became a sought-after name in WWE. He went on to compete with the likes of Batista, Brock Lesnar, and Randy Orton and even won the World Heavyweight Championship twice.
Similarly, in MMA, many doubted Demetrious Johnson because of his height and physique. This has not stopped him from putting up a fight whenever he is in The Octagon.
In the case of a WWE and UFC crossover event, a match with the two stars, once considered 'underdogs', would be of great magnitude.
#3. Amanda Nunes vs. WWE SmackDown Women's Champion Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley was seen as a promising talent ever since she stepped foot in the WWE performance center. Within six years, she has risen to prominence with her display of strength and athletic build.
On the UFC front, Amanda Nunes has been creating waves in the women's division with her hard-hitting moves and 22-5-0 record statistics. The Brazilian fighter debuted in 2013 when she went up against Sheila Gaff at UFC 163.
The Eradicator is at the top of her game in her current run as SmackDown Women's Champion. It would be a behemoth of a clash for the women's division if Ripley and Nunes shared the ring opposite each other.
#2. Alistair Overeem vs. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar kicked off his MMA career in 2007, but an injury forced him out of action for the next couple of years. The Beast returned with a vengeance and had quite an impressive streak in the UFC octagon.
Given The Beast's imposing physique, not many WWE stars could garner a win over him. At UFC, three fighters defeated the multi-time champion: Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, and Frank Mir.
At UFC 141 in December 201, Overeem emerged victorious, defeating a returning Brock Lesnar via TKO (technical knockout). The intense feud during their MMA years and seemingly unresolved rivalry could lead to an apt flow of events for a match in WWE.
#1. UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones vs. Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is currently competing in the tournament for the World Heavyweight Championship. The 36-year-old succeeded in winning the first semi-finals on RAW and will clash with the winner of the semi-finals on SmackDown for the title at Night of Champions.
The Visionary is the fan-favorite to win the championship, and his recent wins work in his favor. MMA fighter Jon Jones is the current UFC Heavyweight Champion, and if history is any indication, his dominance in the division is not to be taken lightly.
If Seth Rollins wins the World Heavyweight Championship, a rivalry against Jones would be a battle worth watching. Seth Rollins' versatile moves in the ring combined with shattering blows by Jon Jones would keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The diversity of combat sports and sports entertainment could lead to mega, power-packed feuds if both are unified, even if it is just for one event.