3 Intriguing MMA Fights For Jack Swagger (And 3 We Need To See Before He Retires)
Jack Swagger versus Bobby Lashley, anyone?
Jake Hager spent several years in World Wrestling Entertainment performing under the ring name 'Jack Swagger.' However, these days Hager is forging a new path in the sport of mixed martial arts.
This past January, the 6'5" native of Perry, Oklahoma showcased his impressive amateur wrestling skills in his Bellator MMA debut. The former WWE Superstar managed to make quick work of his opponent, J.W. Kiser — winning the bout via arm-triangle choke in the very 1st round.
While the 36-year-old looked impressive in his 1st professional showing, MMA rarely allows fighters time to sit back and enjoy their accomplishments —the sport can be cruel in that regard.\
Though his fight with Kiser was just a few short weeks ago, fans are already eager to see what the future has in store for the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Being that Hager is a newcomer to the sport, Bellator will likely have him face other inexperienced fighters in the early going. Of course, assuming all goes well, the former NCAA Division I All-American wrestler should get chance to take on some very big-name opponents before it's all said and done.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some matchups we could see very soon and a few potential dream fights that could happen later on...
6. Down The Road: Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley is currently signed with WWE. In fact, he's the promotion's reigning Intercontinental Champion. However, Lashley also remains under contract with Bellator MMA.
If and when the IC champ decides to return to the Bellator cage, a match against Hager would be a no-brainer. A contest between the 2 would generate plenty of interest from pro wrestling fans and casual MMA viewers alike — which would translate into very solid ratings for Bellator.
Moreover, the matchup itself is also very intriguing. Both men have extensive amateur wrestling backgrounds, which they rely on heavily in the cage. It's quite possible that their wrestling skills would cancel each other out — so fans would get to see what other weapons these men have in their arsenals.
With 17 professional fights under his belt, Lashley has the experience advantage. That being said, Hager (who turns 37 in March) is significantly younger than his 42-year-old potential opponent.
Both men are heavyweights, they are both signed with Bellator, and their respective pro wrestling backgrounds make this an easy fight to promote.
The two fighters are on good terms with one and other, but there's been nothing from either side that suggests they'd be unwilling to go at it.
This is a fight Bellator fan's will likely see in the future.