Kurt Angle Discusses Possibly Fighting MMA Legend

Months back, during Bellator 145: Vengeance, Bellator MMA unveiled its newest big name connection to the pro wrestling world: Kurt Angle. Angle joined the Bellator MMA family that night, stepping into the broadcast booth to add his insights into the Bobby Lashley vs. James Thompson fight (the most watched bout of the evening, which Lashley handily won). He was also immediately confronted with the obvious question: would he fight in Bellator? To make a long story short, Angle said he would consider it. Now, he's talking possible opponents, and he's being pretty realistic about just who he wants to face. Speaking to The Roman Show, Angle said he was not planning on fighting anyone in their prime (so you can probably eliminate a bout with Bobby Lashley), but was absolutely open to fighting an "MMA legend" - and he absolutely named names.

Of course, I€™m not going to fight a guy in their prime. It€™s obviously gonna be one of the older guys. But if it does come to fruition, it€™ll be a helluva fight, whether its Kimbo Slice, Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn € or even Royce Gracie.

Before you discount the idea of the 47 year old pro wrestler taking a professional MMA fight, consider that Bellator has already had 52 year old Ken Shamrock step into the cage - and they're bringing him back for a trilogy fight against Royce Gracie next month at Bellator 149. Gracie appeared on the air at Friday's Bellator 148 event, stating the reason for coming back to the sport in his 50s: "Once you're a fighter, you're always a fighter." Angle may feel the same way, and MMA is something he has flirted with for a long time. Angle obviously has his stellar Olympic wrestling background to rely on, and came close to fighting for the UFC years ago before the medical eliminated him. Bellator will have its own medical for Angle to pass, but without the risk of Angle fighting someone in their prime, he may find it an easier hurdle to clear. Shamrock, Gracie, or even Dan Severn - who retired with over 100 pro wins just a couple of years ago, and who recently suggested he'd be willing to return for the right fight - would probably be the best bets for Angle. Slice, as bad as he is off his back, could still do some serious damage to Angle if he ever connected with a punch - just ask Ken Shamrock. Will this happen? That remains to be seen, but this is probably the closest Angle has been to an MMA fight in years.