Although wrestling remains an excellent foundation for athletes entering MMA, it appears that fewer elite wrestlers are making the move to the sport these days.
Logan Storley, a four-time All-American during his time at the University of Minnesota, suggests multiple factors influence a wrestler`s decision regarding an MMA career. In previous years, it was a fairly common progression for top wrestlers who weren`t pursuing international competition to transition into mixed martial arts. However, Storley believes that the significant financial opportunities now available through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are altering this trend.
According to Storley, “We`re currently in an unusual phase for MMA due to the influx of NIL money; we aren`t seeing as many wrestlers switch over. NIL has dramatically altered the landscape. Athletes are earning considerable amounts, which explains the reduced number of wrestlers coming over.”
While college wrestling programs don`t see the same level of NIL investment as sports like football or basketball, top competitors can still secure substantial earnings. For instance, fellow Minnesota wrestler and Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson was reportedly the first athlete to sign an NIL deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) back in 2021, which likely provided him with a good income.
Storley understands that the top wrestlers are commanding high dollar amounts from NIL agreements. It`s difficult to match that kind of money early in an MMA career, where athletes typically start with low pay and limited security. He commented, “Some of these athletes are earning a million, even $1.5 million. If you`re a top recruit with that kind of money, would you still choose fighting? You could save it and be financially secure.”
He added, “That`s the challenge. Does it change their motivation? College teams are also different now with transfers, altering team dynamics.”
Beyond the new financial avenues available to athletes, Storley also points out that there are currently fewer opportunities at the very top levels of MMA. While the UFC is a dominant promotion and the PFL is where Storley competes, much of the contemporary MMA scene consists of regional events.
He elaborated, “The MMA landscape has certainly shifted. With the emphasis on Contender Series, smaller rosters in PFL, and Bellator no longer operating, things are different. Wrestling offers financial stability that isn`t present in the initial, challenging years of an MMA career. Many wrestlers are finding security in coaching or other standard professions rather than pursuing fighting.”
Storley feels it will be fascinating to observe how the transition of wrestlers to MMA evolves over the next five years. “The trend is clearly changing, but whether it will continue is uncertain,” he stated.
Storley also recognizes that wrestlers can experience significant burnout. Many begin training and competing intensely from a young age, maintaining a demanding schedule for over a decade by the time they finish college. This prolonged effort can be exhausting.
“Some just want to pursue something different,” Storley noted. “I understand that, especially for those with degrees from conferences like the Big 10. We`re seeing athletes who have dedicated their lives to wrestling making different choices. They`ve been training multiple times a day since childhood. Some simply don`t wish to continue that demanding lifestyle. The relationship between MMA and wrestling has had an interesting trajectory.”
For Storley himself, MMA was always his planned path, and he`s content with his choice as he prepares for the semifinals of the PFL welterweight tournament this Thursday. While he can`t predict if more wrestlers will follow his path, he acknowledges a clear reduction in the overall number of wrestlers transitioning to MMA.
He concluded, “I wanted to fight and was very enthusiastic about it. I`ve had a successful career here and am proud of my accomplishments. Does earning high NIL money change that desire or the trajectory of an MMA career? It would certainly be appealing for a young athlete to receive such income, but I am happy with where MMA has taken me and its impact on my life.”
