Full Breakdown
Stephanie Vaquer Expresses Interest in UFC Collaboration
9/16/2025, 12:20:34 PM
Stephanie Vaquer's Aspirations in Mixed Martial Arts
WWE superstar Stephanie Vaquer has recently articulated her desire to explore opportunities within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In an interview with *Sports Illustrated*, Vaquer, who has been making significant strides in WWE, expressed her admiration for the UFC and her hope to collaborate with the organization in the future. She highlighted her training experiences at the UFC Performance Center in Mexico and her friendship with Chilean UFC fighter Ignacio Bahamondes as key influences on her aspirations. Vaquer stated, “I love the UFC. I’ve been training in Mexico at the UFC Performance Center, and I have a really good friend there. I’m a big fan of the UFC, and I hope one day we can do something together.”
Background and Context: The WWE-UFC Relationship
The connection between WWE and UFC has strengthened since the formation of TKO Group Holdings in 2023, which brought both organizations under a single corporate umbrella valued at approximately $21 billion. This merger has facilitated increased crossover opportunities between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, allowing figures like Vaquer to explore potential collaborations. Vaquer's journey from the Chilean wrestling scene to becoming a double champion in WWE marks a significant milestone for South American representation in professional sports entertainment.
Vaquer's Training and Experience
Vaquer's training at the UFC Performance Center has allowed her to develop skills that could translate into mixed martial arts. Her friendship with Bahamondes, who has earned recognition as an exciting prospect in the UFC, provides her with valuable insights into the world of MMA. While Vaquer's comments suggest a genuine interest in pursuing MMA, any transition would necessitate extensive additional training beyond her current wrestling background.
Criticism and Opposition: Challenges of Transitioning to MMA
The prospect of professional wrestlers transitioning to MMA is not without its challenges. Notable figures like Brock Lesnar and CM Punk have made the crossover with varying degrees of success, but such transitions remain rare and require significant preparation to develop the necessary fighting skills. Critics may argue that while Vaquer's enthusiasm is commendable, the realities of competing in MMA are vastly different from professional wrestling.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to inquiries about her potential move to MMA, Vaquer emphasized the differences between the two disciplines, stating, “I know it’s a different discipline from pro wrestling, but we are both fighters.” This acknowledgment reflects her understanding of the complexities involved in such a transition.
What's Next: Upcoming Matches and Opportunities
As Vaquer prepares for her upcoming match against IYO SKY for the vacant Women’s World Championship at WWE Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025, her aspirations in MMA remain a topic of interest. The outcome of this match could influence her future decisions regarding a potential crossover into mixed martial arts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love the UFC. I’ve been training in Mexico at the UFC Performance Center, and I have a really good friend there. I’m a big fan of the UFC, and I hope one day we can do something together. I know it’s a different discipline from pro wrestling, but we are both fighters. My friend Ignacio Bahamondes is famous in Chile, and he’s also my best friend. In both fighting and wrestling, he understands me, the sport, and the discipline. That’s why I hope one day we can do something together.” — Stephanie Vaquer, WWE Superstar
- “I know it’s a different discipline from pro wrestling, but we are both fighters.” — Stephanie Vaquer, WWE Superstar
Stephanie Vaquer's journey reflects the evolving landscape of combat sports, where the lines between professional wrestling and mixed martial arts continue to blur, offering exciting possibilities for athletes in both arenas.
