From Olympics to Octagon? Matt Riddle Claims Chad Gable Has Real Fighting Potential
The line between WWE’s scripted combat and the raw reality of MMA often blurs when athletes cross between these worlds. Former UFC fighter and WWE superstar Matt Riddle just dropped a bombshell that’s got both wrestling and MMA fans talking – he believes WWE’s Chad Gable could legitimately excel in a real cage fight.
And honestly? He might be onto something.
Olympic Credentials That Can’t Be Ignored
Before Gable was executing technical wrestling maneuvers in WWE rings, he was representing the United States at the 2012 Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling. That’s not some promotional storyline – that’s legitimate amateur wrestling pedigree at the highest possible level.
When Riddle says Gable could transition to MMA, he’s not just blowing smoke. Olympic wrestlers have historically dominated in the cage. Names like Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, and Yoel Romero all parlayed their Olympic wrestling backgrounds into spectacular MMA careers.
The Riddle Perspective: Experience From Both Worlds
What makes Riddle’s assessment particularly interesting is his unique experience straddling both universes. Before his WWE run, Riddle competed in the UFC, amassing a 8-3 (2 NC) professional record. Few people understand the specific skill translation between amateur wrestling, professional wrestling, and MMA better than “The Original Bro.”
I’ve watched Gable’s technical work in WWE, and what stands out isn’t just the Olympic background – it’s how he’s maintained that functional strength and explosive movement even while performing scripted matches. His core fundamentals remain sharp.
Why Wrestlers Excel in MMA
The connection between wrestling and MMA success isn’t coincidental. Consider these advantages Gable would bring to a potential cage career:
- Elite takedown ability – The foundation of MMA control
- Extraordinary conditioning – Olympic wrestlers build unmatched cardio
- Balance and body awareness – Critical for both offense and defense
- Mental toughness – Olympic preparation builds psychological fortitude
| Olympic Wrestlers in MMA | Achievement Level |
|---|---|
| Daniel Cormier | UFC Double Champion |
| Henry Cejudo | UFC Double Champion |
| Yoel Romero | Multiple UFC Title Challenger |
| Chad Gable (Potential) | ? |
Age Factor: Is The Window Closing?
At 38, Gable would be facing an uphill battle if he decided to make the transition now. The learning curve for striking disciplines like boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai takes years to master – time that wouldn’t be on his side.
That said, age hasn’t stopped other wrestlers from making late-career transitions. CM Punk tried it (with limited success), and Brock Lesnar became UFC Heavyweight Champion after leaving WWE the first time.
Would Gable Actually Consider It?
While Riddle’s comments make for fascinating speculation, there’s no indication Gable himself has expressed interest in fighting professionally. He’s currently enjoying success in WWE, leading the Alpha Academy and showcasing his exceptional technical abilities in the entertainment realm.
The financial reality also can’t be ignored. Top WWE performers can earn seven-figure salaries without taking real punches to the face – something even successful MMA fighters might envy.
The Wrestling-to-MMA Pipeline
Gable would join interesting company if he ever decided to make the leap:
- Brock Lesnar – NCAA champion turned UFC Heavyweight Champion
- Bobby Lashley – WWE star with a respectable 15-2 MMA record
- Matt Riddle – UFC fighter who found greater fame in WWE
- Ronda Rousey – UFC pioneer who transitioned to WWE stardom
The Bottom Line
Could Chad Gable legitimately compete in MMA? Based on his Olympic background alone, absolutely. Would it be the right career move? That’s far less certain.
What I find most interesting about Riddle’s comments isn’t the possibility of Gable fighting – it’s the reminder of just how legitimately skilled many WWE performers actually are behind the entertainment facade. When someone with Riddle’s fighting background vouches for your potential, that’s respect that transcends the scripted nature of WWE.
For now, fans of both MMA and professional wrestling can appreciate Gable’s exceptional technical skills in WWE while wondering what might have been if he’d chosen a different path to the cage instead of the ring.
What do you think? Could Chad Gable have been a UFC contender in another timeline? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Ringside Intel