While wrestling remains an excellent foundation for athletes entering mixed martial arts, it appears that fewer elite wrestlers are making the transition to MMA these days.
Logan Storley, a former four-time All-American wrestler at the University of Minnesota, suggests several factors contribute to wrestlers` decisions regarding an MMA career. Historically, transitioning to MMA was a common path for wrestlers not pursuing international competition. However, Storley believes that the significant financial opportunities now available through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are altering this trend.
Storley commented to MMA Fighting, “Currently, we`re in a unique period for MMA with NIL funds becoming available, and we`re observing a decrease in wrestlers entering the sport. NIL has brought considerable change. Athletes are earning substantial amounts of money, which has resulted in fewer wrestlers transitioning.”
Although wrestling programs don`t receive the same level of investment in athletes as sports like football or basketball, considerable funds are still distributed, particularly to top-tier competitors.
Notably, Olympic gold medalist and fellow Minnesota wrestler Gable Steveson became the first athlete signed to an NIL deal by World Wrestling Entertainment back in 2021. While the exact financial terms weren`t disclosed, it is understood that Steveson benefited significantly from the agreement.
Storley is aware that the best wrestlers are earning premium amounts from NIL deals, and it`s challenging to match such income early in an MMA career, where fighter pay begins relatively low.
Storley stated, “Some of these athletes are earning a million, even $1.5 million—if you`re a top recruit, do you still consider fighting after that? It makes sense to save it and be financially prudent.”
He added, “That`s the difficult aspect. Is the drive different? Teams also look different now due to athletes leaving via the transfer portal; everything has changed.”
Beyond the newly available financial incentives for athletes, Storley also points to fewer opportunities at the highest levels of MMA currently.
The UFC is a dominant force, and Storley competes for the PFL, but the majority of MMA events today are held regionally.
Storley explained, “I think the MMA landscape has shifted. With platforms like Contender Series and fewer fighters on the PFL roster since Bellator`s situation, things have changed. Wrestling offers financial stability, whereas there`s no security in the initial years of an MMA career. That`s the reality. The first few years are extremely challenging. With guys earning money through NIL and pursuing coaching or similar roles, they gain more stability.”
He continued, “More athletes are simply getting regular jobs and aren`t interested in pursuing [MMA]. It will be interesting to see how the next five years unfold regarding wrestlers crossing over. It`s definitely changing. Will it continue? I`m not certain.”
Storley also acknowledges the reality of burnout among wrestlers, as most athletes in the sport begin rigorous training and competition at a very young age. By the time some wrestlers graduate college, they`ve maintained an intense schedule for 10 to 15 years, which can take a toll.
Storley commented, “Some guys just want to pursue something else. I don`t blame them, especially those from Big 10 schools who earn a valuable degree. I believe we are simply seeing athletes who have wrestled and competed throughout their lives deciding to pursue different paths.”
He noted, “They`ve been training twice a day since they were 8 years old. Some athletes no longer want to do that. It`s been an intriguing period for the relationship between MMA and wrestling.”
For Storley personally, he always envisioned MMA as his future and is content with his decision as he prepares for the PFL welterweight tournament semifinals.
He cannot definitively say if more wrestlers will follow his path, but he recognizes a clear decline in the number of athletes moving from wrestling to MMA.
Storley concluded, “I desired to fight. I was genuinely excited about fighting. I had a successful career and am very proud of my accomplishments here. Does earning that kind of money change things? Would your MMA career be different? Would it have been nice? Yes, for an 18 or 19-year-old kid to earn that much, but I am happy with where MMA has taken me and what it has done for my life.”
