Bobby Lashley’s Forgotten MMA Career

PHOTO CREDIT: MMA Junkie (Bobby Lashley’s Forgotten MMA Career)

Bobby Lashley’s Forgotten MMA Career

Bobby Lashley is best known as a superstar in the world of professional wrestling, specifically in the WWE. However, before WWE, Lashley was an accomplished amateur wrestler. His impressive physique and physical attributes, caused people to call Bobby Lashley a “freak athlete.” Bobby Lashley exhibited strength while being agile for a man of his size.

A lost of people might feel Bobby Lashley could have transitioned into MMA, much like Brock Lesnar. However, some may be surprised that Bobby Lashley did compete in MMA after his first run with WWE during the late 2000s. In fact, Bobby Lashley competed in professional MMA while simultaneously continuing his professional wrestling career.

Bobby Lashley Leaves WWE For MMA

After departing from WWE in 2008, Bobby Lashley made his MMA debut that same year. And considering MMA reached mainstream acceptance in 2008, Bobby Lashley’s transition to MMA couldn’t have come at a better time. However, if he were to fight for the UFC, he would have to abandon his professional wrestling career, much like Brock Lesnar.

Fortunately for Bobby Lashley, he could do both MMA and professional wrestling. Although he didn’t fight for the UFC, Bobby Lashley fought for many prominent promotions, such as Bellator MMA and Strikeforce. While doing so, Bobby Lashley continued his in-ring career by wrestling for TNA Wrestling. It’s also worth noting that during his MMA run, Bobby Lashley also did pro wrestling in Japan.

Bobby Lashley’s Success In MMA

Only a year after making his MMA debut, racking up an impressive 4-0 record, Bobby Lashley debuted Strikeforce in January 2010, defeating long-time MMA veteran Wes Simms. Over the next several years, Bobby Lashley would rack up an impressive record of 15-2, defeating veteran names like James Thompson and Bob Sapp. Bobby Lashley was a world champion throughout his MMA career, being a two-time heavyweight champion from two promotions.

For someone who was involved in two physical sports at the same time, Bobby Lashley is a once-in-a-generation athlete. Because of this, one must think about how Lashley would’ve done if he focused on MMA without his commitment to professional wrestling. Bobby Lashley might have even gone as far as winning the UFC World Heavyweight Championship.