Wrestling has long been considered an excellent base for athletes entering mixed martial arts (MMA), but it appears the number of top wrestlers transitioning to professional fighting is declining.
Logan Storley, a former four-time All-American wrestler at the University of Minnesota, suggests multiple reasons for this shift. Historically, moving to MMA was a common path for wrestlers not pursuing international competition. However, Storley believes that significant money now available through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals is altering this trend.
“We`re in a strange period for MMA with NIL money coming in, and we`re not seeing as many wrestlers crossing over,” Storley commented. “NIL has dramatically changed things. Athletes are earning substantial amounts, which has led to a decrease in wrestlers moving into MMA.”
While collegiate wrestling programs don`t command the same level of NIL spending as sports like football or basketball, considerable funds are still being allocated, particularly to elite athletes. For instance, fellow Minnesota wrestler and Olympic champion Gable Steveson was among the first athletes to sign an NIL agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) back in 2021, securing a notable income.
Storley understands that top wrestlers are earning significant sums from NIL deals, making it challenging to match that financial level early in an MMA career, where fighter pay is typically much lower initially.
“Some of these guys are earning a million, even $1.5 million,” Storley stated. “If you`re a top recruit making that kind of money, why pursue fighting afterward? It makes sense to save or invest it.”
He added that this financial disparity is a major hurdle. “That`s the difficult part. Does it change their drive? Teams are also different now with athletes leaving via the transfer portal; everything feels different.”
Aside from the new financial opportunities, Storley also notes that there are fewer high-level options available in MMA currently. While promotions like the UFC and PFL (where Storley competes) exist, much of today`s MMA activity occurs at the regional level.
“I think the MMA landscape has shifted,” Storley explained. “With fewer fighters on rosters in promotions like PFL, and with Bellator gone, things have changed. Wrestling offers some financial stability through NIL, whereas there`s little security in the beginning of an MMA career. Those first few years are incredibly tough. Athletes earning money in wrestling might opt for more stable roles like coaching instead.”
He also suggests that some wrestlers simply choose regular jobs and aren`t interested in pursuing fighting. “It will be interesting to see how the number of wrestlers coming over looks in the next five years. It`s definitely changing.”
Storley also recognizes that burnout is common in wrestling. Many athletes start training intensely at a very young age. By the time they finish college, they`ve often endured a demanding schedule for over a decade, which can be exhausting.
“Some guys just want to do something different,” he said. “I don`t blame them, especially those from major conferences who have earned a strong degree. We`re seeing athletes who have wrestled and competed their entire lives, and their priorities are shifting.”
“They`ve been doing two-a-day practices since they were eight years old. Some just don`t want that lifestyle anymore. It`s been an interesting relationship between MMA and wrestling.”
For his part, Storley always envisioned an MMA career and is content with his path, particularly as he prepares for an upcoming PFL welterweight tournament semifinal. He cannot predict if more wrestlers will follow his footsteps, but he acknowledges that the overall flow of athletes from wrestling to MMA has significantly decreased.
“I wanted to fight; I was genuinely excited about it,” Storley shared. “I`ve had a great career and I`m very proud of my accomplishments here. Would it change things if you were getting paid like [with NIL]? Would your MMA career look the same? It would have been nice for an 18 or 19-year-old to earn that kind of money, but I`m happy with where MMA has led me and what it has done for my life.”
