Nick Khan Envisions WWE as a Potential Next Chapter After a Fighter’s UFC Career

WWE and UFC have officially merged under the parent company Endeavor, and the newly formed entity now trades on the New York Stock Exchange as “TKO.” The merger, which was completed on September 12, brings together two of the most prominent combat sports promotions in the world.

While WWE and UFC will continue to operate as separate entities under the Endeavor umbrella, there will be shared values and a similar organizational structure that fosters collaboration.

Nick Khan, who serves as the CEO of WWE, commented on the merger to ESPN, emphasizing that UFC fighters will remain focused on their careers within the UFC, while WWE superstars will continue to perform in the wrestling ring. However, Khan acknowledged the potential for crossover opportunities, where fighters from UFC, once their MMA careers are over, could find extended opportunities in WWE.

“UFC fighters are gonna stay focused on the UFC and WWE superstars obviously do something different in our ring… but you also see in the UFC people with big personalities who, once their UFC run is done, once the UFC and the fighter says, ‘Hey, maybe now’s the time to call it a day,’ could those people have a longer life at WWE, an extended life with TKO? We think so.”

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This idea isn’t new, as notable fighters like Ronda Rousey and Brock Lesnar have transitioned between UFC and WWE in the past. Additionally, current UFC star Israel Adesanya has expressed his interest in becoming a part of WWE once his MMA career concludes.

The merger is expected to lead to more collaboration between UFC and WWE, and fans may witness cross-promotional events and appearances. Notably, several WWE executives, including Vince McMahon, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Pat McAfee, have been spotted attending UFC events, indicating a growing relationship between the two organizations.

Lawrence Epstein, UFC’s senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, expressed the desire to see every UFC fan become a WWE fan and vice versa. The potential for both promotions to hold major events in the same city during the same weekend and offer package deals to tourism authorities is also being explored.

“Where we want to get is where every UFC fan is a WWE fan and every WWE fan is a UFC fan.”

The merger between WWE and UFC was initially announced on April 3, and it marks a significant moment in the world of combat sports, with the potential for exciting cross-promotional ventures and partnerships in the future.

What are your thoughts on the merger between WWE and UFC under the parent company Endeavor? Do you think this will lead to more exciting cross-promotional events and opportunities for fighters and superstars? Leave us a comment.