Daniel Cormier explains why fewer and fewer American wrestlers are transitioning to MMA these days

Key Points:

• The influx of top wrestlers transitioning to MMA has declined in recent years, despite notable exceptions like Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson making his UFC debut.
• UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier attributes this trend primarily to financial reasons, noting that wrestlers can now earn substantial incomes coaching at wrestling training centers (RTCs), sometimes around $200,000 annually.
• Historically, wrestlers moved to MMA due to limited earning opportunities post-college, but improved coaching salaries and alternative income sources like Real American Freestyle have reduced the financial incentive to fight.
• Only a few American wrestlers, such as 2024 Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades, have shown interest in MMA recently, indicating a slowdown in the pipeline of elite wrestlers entering the sport.
• Cormier hopes more top American wrestlers will consider MMA in the future, but the current landscape suggests wrestling as a profession is becoming more financially viable outside of fighting.