NCAA wrestling champion Wyatt Hendrickson is open to a transfer to MMA.
The 24-year-old is recent off his assembly with Gable Steveson within the finals of the NCAA Championships final month. The Olympian entered the match driving a 70-match successful streak, and was broadly anticipated so as to add one other championship to his resume. As an alternative, Wyatt Hendrickson pulled off one of many greatest upsets in wrestling historical past. With Donald Trump watching on, the Oklahoma State wrestler pulled off the upset with a takedown within the ultimate seconds.
The second rapidly went viral on social media, with the Lieutenant immediately turning into a star. Showing on The Ariel Helwani Present earlier as we speak, Wyatt Hendrickson mentioned his newfound fame, in addition to his upset win over Steveson. In the course of the dialogue, the wrestler was requested about doubtlessly crossing over to MMA. Many high-profile wrestlers, together with Steveson, have proven curiosity in a transfer to the cage, and Hendrickson is of the identical mindset.
Whereas the 24-year-old wouldn’t decide to the concept whereas talking with Helwani, he’s clearly a fan of the game. Wyatt Hendrickson added, nonetheless, that he’s not precisely a fan of getting hit within the face. Nonetheless, if the wrestler appears like he can preserve himself secure within the cage, he’ll bounce on the alternative. Till then, Hendrickson plans on serving within the Air Drive.
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“I like MMA. I like all the things about it… I like punching folks within the face, however clearly getting punched within the face sucks, getting hit within the head… So long as I can do no matter I need to do safely, I’m clearly going to do what I can.”@Wyatt_Hendrick on a doable… pic.twitter.com/RROzsOolfI
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 2, 2025
Wyatt Hendrickson feedback on doable transfer to MMA after latest upset win over Gable Steveson
“I feel there’s quite a lot of thrilling stuff that might probably occur.” Wyatt Hendrickson acknowledged when requested about shifting to the UFC or WWE. “So, as a member of america Air Drive, I’ll truly be capable to return. I plan on serving one other 5 years after my wrestling profession… [But], I like MMA. I like all the things about it. However one factor, I like punching folks within the face. However, clearly, being punched within the face sucks, getting hit within the head. I do have just a little little bit of historical past with some concussions, and there could possibly be some warning there.”
It’s price noting that the wrestler’s coach, David Taylor, has beforehand acknowledged that he might thrive within the WWE. Nonetheless, Wyatt Hendrickson feels that he’s higher suited to a transfer to the cage.
He continued, “However, I actually assume I have to get some gloves on and see the way it feels. Clearly, it’s no joke. MMA isn’t any joke. Getting punched by somebody who is aware of punch, getting knocked out is just not tremendous enjoyable. So long as I can do what I need to do safely, I’m going to do what I can. I’ve completed just a little bit [of MMA training]… However my essential purpose proper now could be wrestling. I’m simply placing all time and effort into that. However, I’ve messed round just a little bit, however haven’t taken it too severely.”
What do you make of this UFC information? Do you need to see Wyatt Hendrickson combat in MMA?
