The Cage: Non-combat pro athletes who switched to MMA

Mixed martial arts has skyrocketed in popularity over the course of the last thirty years or so. While the sport is getting the attention of fans worldwide, athletes who have competed in other disciplines have also taken notice. We’ll take a look back at a few people who have jumped into the cage after careers in other sports. Football statistics are sourced from Football Reference.

Perhaps the most well-known crossover athlete into the ultimate fighting realm has been Hardy. He was a star NFL defensive end, who had all the talent in the world when it came to rushing the passer. He registered 11 and 15 sacks for the Carolina Panthers in 2012 and 2013 respectively, according to Football Reference.

However, he was involved in some legal trouble as reported by Bleacher Report and others, which brought his football career to an abrupt halt. He elected to join UFC, and has competed in 13 matches to date according to the UFC's website.

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Gore is one of the most durable running backs in NFL history, which is saying something considering the amount of punishment the position takes. It seemed like he would be a good fit for ultimate fighting considering his compact frame, and experience taking hits from a myriad of different angles.

However, he would end up losing a fight to a former professional basketball player…

That former hooper was none other than Deron Williams. Many were surprised at his triumph over Gore considering the sports they played, but Williams’ build was helpful in his new endeavor.

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While many in the NBA often look to avoid contact, Williams was the type of player that would drive the ball into the teeth of the defense as Bleacher Report detailed.

Some may look at Lesner’s inclusion on this list with skepticism, considering that he had a renowned professional wrestling career before he joined ultimate fighting.

However, he also dabbed his toe in the NFL world. He tried out for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2004 preseason, but was cut from the roster.

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Walker has seemingly done it all in his life. He went from college star to NFL prodigy, making two Pro Bowls and rushing for a career high 1,514 yards in 1988.

Walker also became a politician after his football career was over. If that wasn’t enough, Walker was also participated in two MMA matches.

While he wasn’t a star, Morton was a reliable NFL receiver for 11 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

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Unfortunately, his MMA career was significantly shorter. It lasted just one fight, and he was on the wrong end of a Bernard Ackah punch that knocked him out.

Sapp figured to have a decent chance at a promising NFL career after the Chicago Bears drafted him in 1997. It wasn’t meant to be, as he would only suit up in one game, for the Vikings. He moved on to a career in mixed martial arts, and has maintained a respectable career by participating in various events throughout the world.

He’s a polarizing figure in the world of baseball, as Canseco is viewed as a whistleblower of other players who took steroids in the 1980’s through 2000’s, as ESPN covered. The former slugger competed in one mixed martial arts match in 2009, but was defeated via submission by Choi Hong-Man in Japan.

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Westbrook is another former NFL pass catcher who tried his hat in the fighting ring. He spent eight years playing professional football with the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals. Westbrook participated in three matches after his NFL career ended.