Discover the incredible journey of Shinsuke Nakamura, from being a rising prospect in MMA to becoming a WWE superstar. Learn about his decision to turn down the UFC offer and his success in the world of professional wrestling.
| Shinsuke Nakamura boasts an impressive MMA record of 3-1 with one NC (no contest).
| Despite being offered a contract by the UFC, Nakamura chose to stay in pro wrestling.
| He doesn’t regret his decision and is happy with his choice.
| Nakamura is a two-time WWE Intercontinental and United States champion.
| He continues to train in martial arts, as seen in recent footage with Matt Riddle.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s journey from MMA to WWE is a testament to his dedication and success in the world of professional wrestling.
Shinsuke Nakamura, the WWE superstar, has a fascinating journey that led him to the world of professional wrestling. Before his rise to superstardom in the WWE, Nakamura was a promising prospect in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Nakamura boasts an impressive MMA record of 3-1 with one NC (no contest). His fighting career began with a submission defeat against Daniel Gracie at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002 – K-1 vs. Inoki in December 2002.
Since then, Nakamura has remained undefeated in the MMA world. In his last MMA fight at K-1 MMA – Romanex in 2004, he secured a second-round submission win against Alexey Ignashov.
Despite his success in MMA, Nakamura stayed true to his pro-wrestling roots. In 2005, while he was with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), he was offered a contract by the UFC. However, Nakamura turned down the offer, choosing to continue his career in pro wrestling.
During an interview, Nakamura revealed that he doesn’t regret his decision to decline the UFC offer. He stated, "It was a good opportunity, but I decided to stay in pro wrestling. I am happy with my choice." Nakamura has since become a two-time WWE Intercontinental and United States champion.
Although it has been over two decades since Nakamura competed in professional MMA, he still maintains his martial arts training. In recent footage released by the WWE, Nakamura can be seen training jiu-jitsu with former UFC star Matt Riddle. Riddle expressed his excitement at the opportunity to train with Nakamura, highlighting his skills and reputation.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s journey from an MMA prospect to a WWE superstar is a testament to his dedication and passion for both sports. While he may not have pursued a career in the UFC, Nakamura has found tremendous success in the world of professional wrestling, captivating audiences with his unique style and charisma.
