Story perspectives

WWE's Stephanie Vaquer Seeks MMA Collaboration Amid Merger

9/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

WWE superstar Stephanie Vaquer is interested in collaborating with UFC, having trained at the UFC Performance Center in Mexico.
She has a supportive friendship with UFC fighter Ignacio Bahamondes.
Vaquer admires MMA and recognizes its differences from professional wrestling, expressing hope for future collaboration.
Bianca Belair remains cautious about transitioning to MMA, stressing the importance of rigorous training.
The WWE-UFC merger under TKO Group Holdings enhances crossover opportunities.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, the UFC and WWE began exploring crossover opportunities, culminating in the TKO Group Holdings merger in 2023. This merger allowed for enhanced collaboration between organizations, with UFC fighter Conor McGregor generating $3 million in revenue from a single fight. Stephanie Vaquer's interest in working with UFC reflects a growing trend of athletes transitioning between wrestling and MMA. The implications of this collaboration could reshape both industries, potentially leading to new training programs and fan engagement strategies.

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Story summary

WWE superstar Stephanie Vaquer is interested in collaborating with UFC, having trained at the UFC Performance Center in Mexico.
She has a supportive friendship with UFC fighter Ignacio Bahamondes.
Vaquer admires MMA and recognizes its differences from professional wrestling, expressing hope for future collaboration.
Bianca Belair remains cautious about transitioning to MMA, stressing the importance of rigorous training.
The WWE-UFC merger under TKO Group Holdings enhances crossover opportunities.

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