Wrestling is widely regarded as one of the best foundational sports for athletes looking to compete in mixed martial arts. However, according to professional fighter and former college wrestler Logan Storley, a noticeable shift is occurring, with fewer top wrestlers making the leap to MMA these days.
Storley, a four-time All-American wrestler from the University of Minnesota, points to several factors contributing to this trend. Chief among them, he believes, is the significant money now available to collegiate athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights deals.
“Right now we’re in a weird time with MMA with NIL money coming in and we’re not seeing as many wrestlers come over,” Storley stated. He emphasized that NIL has drastically changed the landscape, allowing athletes to earn substantial amounts of money even before graduating.
While the cash flow in wrestling programs doesn`t match that of football or basketball, top wrestling competitors can still secure lucrative NIL deals. Storley highlights the financial disparity between these deals and the reality of starting out in professional MMA, where early career pay is typically low and security is minimal.
“Some of these guys are making a million, $1.5 million—with your top recruits, do you come fight after that?” Storley questioned, suggesting it makes more financial sense for some to leverage their NIL earnings or pursue more stable careers like coaching.
Beyond the financial pull of NIL, Storley also mentioned the demanding nature of a long wrestling career, which often begins at a very young age and involves a grueling schedule for a decade or more. This can lead to burnout, with some athletes simply wanting to explore different paths after college.
Additionally, the landscape of high-level MMA promotions has changed. With Bellator gone and fewer spots potentially available in major organizations like the UFC (via avenues like Contender Series) and the PFL, regional circuits represent the bulk of opportunities, offering less exposure and lower pay compared to major league pro wrestling or top-tier coaching jobs.
Despite the changing times and the lure of NIL money, Storley remains confident in his own decision to pursue MMA, a sport he felt passionate about. He acknowledges that the pipeline of elite wrestlers entering MMA has thinned and expresses curiosity about how this trend will continue to evolve in the coming years.
