10 UFC Fighters Influenced By WWE

8. Tim Sylvia

Tim Sylvia might have had an underwhelming end to his career, but early on, it's hard to argue with success: he was the UFC heavyweight champion, and defeated arch rival Andrei Arlovski twice in the promotion. So whatever complaints there may be about his later career, he was a legit talent at his peak. One thing Sylvia didn't mind doing, however, was making money. Remember, until the modern era, UFC fighters did not earn a ton of cash. So Sylvia went an obvious route: inspired by pro wrestlers in the WWE, and fighters like Ken Shamrock who had dabbled in both worlds, he tried his hand at pro wrestling in Japan. It wasn't pretty, and involved something of an American Cowboy gimmick, but he gave it an honest shot, and didn't shy away from it. He never did it full time, but it's clear the influence was there.