Why Kurt Angle never signed with the UFC

PHOTO CREDIT: WWE

It's no secret that many professional wrestlers have transitioned to MMA over the years. Some achieved monumental success, like WWE superstar and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. However, one name that has never changed is professional wrestling legend and former Olympic wrestler Kurt Angle. The question is why Kurt Angle never signed with the UFC.

When asked which professional wrestlers would have been successful in MMA, Kurt Angle is one of the names that comes up. Even though Kurt Angle comes from the entertainment world of professional wrestling, that doesn't change the fact that he is an elite athlete and a success story in amateur wrestling. Considering that amateur wrestlers often have the advantage in MMA, it wouldn't be a surprise if Kurt Angle became MMA champion.

Kurt Angle's first UFC offer in 1996

According to Kurt Angle, the UFC offered him a deal before he became a household name in the early years. In an interview with True GeordieKurt Angle claimed that the UFC offered him a ten-fight contract for $150,000 in 1996, when he won his first Olympic gold medal. It was before Kurt Angle's professional wrestling career even began.

UFC offers Kurt Angle to star in Ultimate Fighter

When Kurt Angle left WWE in 2006, he became more open to outside ventures. The UFC offered him a role in The Ultimate Fighter season alongside the late Kimbo Slice. A deal that Kurt Angle claimed was worth $500,000. In an interview with ESPN, Kurt Angle also claimed that the UFC offered him a six-fight contract.

UFC President Dana White has confirmed that the company has offered Kurt Angle a role on The Ultimate Fighter. However, he has not confirmed whether he has been offered an additional contract to fight for the UFC.

Why did Kurt Angle refuse to sign with the UFC?

Although Kurt Angle had long wanted to compete in MMA, he turned down the UFC's offer. Because in order for Kurt Angle to compete for the UFC, Kurt Angle had to give up professional wrestling entirely. Since Kurt Angle never signed with the UFC, he continued his professional wrestling career until retiring in 2019.

Similar to Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle's prominence in professional wrestling could have been a huge deal for the UFC if he had signed a contract. One could imagine a possible duel between him and Brock Lesnar on a UFC stage, as both were on-screen rivals in WWE. That's why the idea of ​​Kurt Angle competing in MMA is one of the biggest “what ifs” that both MMA and wrestling fans talk about.