Just last week NCAA legend Ed Ruth and two-time Division I national qualifier Urijah Faber got back to winning inside the Bellator and UFC cages respectively. Next week, Professional Fighters League hosts an event featuring four-time NCAA Division I All-American Lance Palmer, NJCAA and Division III All-American Chris Wade, NJCAA and Division II All-American Andre Harrison, and Division I wrestlers Alex Gilpin and Ramsey Nijem. Oh, and for a little bonus, the card also features several Russian fighters who hail from the Caucasus region of the greatest wrestling country on Earth. Needless to say, these guys can wrestle.
This is not a particularly unique stretch of MMA events in terms of wrestling talent. MMA has drawn all types of top-notch wrestlers over the years. We have seen world-class wrestlers inconspicuously enter MMA, we have seen Olympians go on to become all-time MMA greats, we have seen top wrestlers enter MMA and fall short, and we've seen everything in between. Considering the wrestlers-turned fighters mentioned above all did the bulk of their wrestling in the NCAA, in the upcoming piece we will rank the 10 best NCAA champs-turned MMA fighters.
10A. Mark Munoz
Two guys will share the 10 spot on this list, the first is former Oklahoma State Cowboy Mark Munoz. After completing an absolutely fantastic wrestling career and doing a little wrestling coaching, Munoz entered the world of MMA in 2007. A two-time Division I All-American, one-time national champion with a very strong list of freestyle credentials, "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" started strong in his MMA career and he had relationships (see the aforementioned Faber and a few Oklahoma State buddies) that served him well.
Munoz climbed the MMA ladder quickly, needing just five fights to go from the California regionals, to the UFC-owned WEC, and ultimately to the UFC where he would finish his career. He had a very solid run in the UFC over seven years and 15 fights. Fighting in the UFC almost entirely at 185 pounds save for his debut where he was KO'd by the same guy he shares this spot on the list with, Munoz would come to be known as a grinding wrestler with great size, violent ground-and-pound, and a stout right hand. Munoz amassed a 9-6 UFC record which included five strong wins over fellow NCAA Division I wrestlers. In addition to opening one of the most popular training centers in MMA with his Reign Training Center, most would agree that the highlight of Munoz' career was coming within one win of a UFC title shot. Munoz retired in May 2015.
10B. Matt Hamill
Holding the distinction of being the only three-time NCAA national champion on this list, Matt Hamill is also the only one on the list without the ability to hear, being born completely deaf. Hamill grew up in Ohio where he was a standout wrestler, placing as high as third in the high school state tournament. After high school "The Hammer" received scholarship money to wrestle for Purdue University in the Big Ten, but the lack of accommodations for the deaf made it a tough time. After a year at Purdue, Hamill wound up finishing out his eligibility wrestling in Division III at Rochester Institute of Technology, also home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Free from distractions and undue challenges, he won the NCAAs all three years at the Upstate New York school, going undefeated as a senior.
Hamill first popped up on the MMA radar as a participant on the third season of the UFC's reality show/tournament, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). Under the tutelage of fellow wrestler Tito Ortiz, Hamill was pegged as a favorite to win the tournament despite his lack of experience. Although he won his first fight rather impressively, he had to bow out of the tournament due to injury. Regardless, he found his way into the UFC where he became a mainstay for the next six years, fighting a who's who of 205-pound talent while tallying a 10-5 record in the promotion. At his best, he was a dominating wrestler, dangerous on top, with a brutal, bullying clinch game. He used this style to score wins over five Division I wrestlers, including two national champions and a two-time national finalist. He exited the UFC in 2013 and has fought sporadically since.
9. Muhammed Lawal
Texas native Muhammed Lawal, aka King Mo, is only one of two on this list who didn't begin wrestling until high school. Despite the late start he managed to win a state title as a high school senior before moving on to wrestle for the University of Central Oklahoma (NCAA Division II) where he was a two-time national finalist, one-time national champ. This impressive underclassman campaign justified moving north to Stillwater where Mo would finish out his collegiate career in Division I at the famous Oklahoma State University. There Lawal secured a third-place finish and All-America honors before graduating and embarking on a very successful senior level freestyle career.
Shortly after failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Mo hooked up with Dan Henderson's Team Quest to begin MMA training. Less than two months later he was debuting in Japan against former NJCAA All-American and 65-fight MMA veteran, the always-tough Travis Wiuff. The result was impressive, as Mo dispatched the much more experienced foe in the first round with solid boxing. Over the course of his career Mo would use his wrestling to great effect, using it directly to win fights or using the takedown threat to create striking opportunities. His fantastic athleticism and power made him dangerous from everywhere and he was a potent finisher (14 KO's). Before it was all said and done, the recently retired Lawal won 21 of 31 fights, defeated two fellow DI wrestlers (one a national champ), fought for 11 years, and captured three prestigious titles.
8. Kevin Randleman
"The Monster" Kevin Randleman is almost universally regarded as the most impressive athletic specimen to ever wrestle or fight. Randleman was born and raised in Ohio where he went 122-11 and won state's as a high school wrestler. He attended Division I powerhouse Ohio State University, where despite completing one of the finest careers in Buckeye history, some might say that Randleman underachieved! Going into his senior season a two-time national champ, three-time finalist, he lost the entire season of eligibility by failing to put up sufficiently good grades.
Two years later, coach and mentor Mark Coleman offered a trip to Brazil to take part in what was then known as "no holds barred" fighting, or "Vale Tudo" in Brazil. From the very moment he entered the cage, his massive potential was apparent. He fought his first eight fights in Brazil before signing with the UFC. In the octagon he established himself as a top fighter when he captured and defended the UFC heavyweight title. Randleman also spent many years fighting in Japan where his physique, fighting style, and talent made him a fan favorite and contender. Injuries and time caused Randleman to slow down as he aged but he finished his career fighting in major shows in the USA and Japan and was always a tough out. At his best, Randleman was a dynamic, dominant wrestler with many takedowns in his repertoire and considerable power in his hands. Unfortunately, Randleman passed away of a heart attack in 2016, but his legacy as a supremely talented, gifted, tough, durable, exciting fighter is completely secure.
7. Mark Coleman
One of the very first world-class wrestlers to enter MMA, Mark Coleman accomplished much on the mat. On the strength of a strong high school run that saw him win a state title, Coleman wrestled in college in the NCAA's Division I. Attending Miami University (located in Ohio) and eventually Ohio State, he established himself as one of the best 190-pound wrestlers in the country. After two All-American seasons, one of them yielding a national title, Coleman moved on to a very successful run in international freestyle wrestling before moving on to MMA.
For the first six fights of his career, Coleman was largely considered unbeatable, and his two UFC tournament wins and capturing of the heavyweight title supported this. His ground-and-pound, size, wrestling, strength, aggression, and the sheer amount of violence he dished out was unprecedented, and he most-definitely pushed the sport to a new level. Opponents eventually figured out "The Hammer's" style and he took his share of losses, but his early UFC dominance and winning of Pride Fighting Championship's open-weight tournament made him a legend. Racking up impressive wins over two fellow DI wrestlers along the way, Coleman finished his career in the UFC with a loss to fellow wrestler and living legend Randy Couture in 2010.
Ben Askren warming up before his Beat the Streets matchup against Jordan Burroughs (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)6. Ben Askren
Two-time Wisconsin high school state champ and blue-chip NCAA recruit, "Funky" Ben Askren could've wrestled anywhere, but ultimately chose to attend the University of Missouri. Though not generally regarded as a wresting powerhouse, it would be tough to criticize Askren's choice with a straight face, considering he accomplished one of the more brilliant careers in NCAA history. A four-time national finalist and two-time national champ, he was a prolific pinner and scrambler who wound up twice receiving collegiate wrestling's highest honor when he was awarded the Dan Hodge Trophy. Askren wrestled freestyle at a very high level during and after college but moved to MMA after competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Askren's MMA career thus far has been impressive as its been unique. After a brief and dominant run in the smaller shows, Askren signed with Bellator MMA where he needed just six months to capture their welterweight title. Though dominant, Askren's fights with Bellator were widely regarded as boring. His wrestling and control-oriented style though undeniably effective, even against the three DI wrestlers he defeated, was met with abounding criticism. Even after turning up the intensity and finishing a few very tough opponents, Askren garnered few additional fans and thus, when it was time to leave Bellator, he was snubbed by the UFC and not offered a contract. Undeterred, Askren proceeded to spend 3.5 years in Asia, fighting and winning in One FC, becoming their 185-pound titleholder. It was only after Askren seemingly retired that he was given a shot in the UFC where he's gone 1-1 and established himself as a viable draw for the company.
Phil Davis5. Phil Davis
As one of only 4 four-time DI All-Americans on this list, Pennsylvania native and all-state high school wrestler Phil Davis enjoyed a wonderful NCAA wrestling career as a Penn State Nittany Lion. With two of his All-American seasons seeing him land in the national finals, and one of them netting a national title, "Mr. Wonderful" proved that his was a fitting moniker.
About six months after wrapping up his collegiate wrestling career, Davis began an MMA career that impressed from the start. Needing just four fights to reach the UFC, Davis started his tenure by impressively defeating several highly regard fighters. His wrestling style blended effortlessly with submission grappling, and his size and athleticism presented many problems for opponents. Seemingly on the fast track to a UFC title shot, Davis eventually stumbled and suffered a tough loss to a more experienced foe in fellow DI wrestler Rashad Evans. He rebounded and resumed his winning ways, ultimately spending the vast majority of his UFC tenure in the top 10 of the rankings. Davis left the UFC in 2015, moving to Bellator MMA where he won (and then lost) their 205-pound title. A fighter who has defeated three fellow DI wrestlers, Davis is still active and never far from the title picture.
4. Josh Koscheck
Like the man who appeared on this list before him, Koscheck was also an all-state high school wrestler in Pennsylvania who went on the wrestle for a Division I college in his home state. Also like Mr. Wonderful, Koscheck was a four-time DI All-American, two-time national finalist, one-time national champ. It was a phenomenal collegiate career in which Koscheck sharpened his reputation as a tough, confrontational, controversial fighter; a reputation that would rightfully follow him to MMA.
Koscheck fought just two times on the regional MMA scene before appearing on the inaugural season of UFC reality show/tournament, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). What followed his time on TV was a brilliant and exciting UFC career that lasted a decade. He improved rapidly, thanks largely to his new home gym, American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), and his rapid, dramatic improvements from fight to fight made for some very rough nights for opponents. Once he had them scared to death of his wrestling, he revealed a hellacious right hand and nasty chokes that were even more devastating. These strengths are what propelled Koscheck to a UFC title shot and two No. 1 contender fights. It was a stellar career in which he defeated three DI wrestlers and a NJCAA national champ, but eventually father time caught up to Koscheck and he closed out his career in 2017 with six straight losses.
3. Brock Lesnar
Before becoming an international pro wresting superstar, Brock Lesnar was among the best amateur wrestlers in his home state of South Dakota. A strong high school career that saw Lesnar place as high as third in the state championships preceded his entry into collegiate wrestling, first in junior college, then in Division I. He was very successful, notching All-America placings all four years, winning an NJCAA title as a sophomore and NCAA DI title as a senior. Lesnar's physique, athletic gifts, and demeanor scored him an offer from the WWE right out of college, so for the time being, his competitive days were over, but he left pro wrestling in 2007 and began shopping his services around to the big MMA shows in the USA and Japan.
The first company to bite was Japanese kickboxing and MMA powerhouse, K-1. Initially matched up with the enormous South Korean fighter Hong Man Choi, Lesnar debuted in the K-1 ring June of 2007 in Los Angeles against Olympic judo silver medalist Min-Soo Kim. Though raw and unpolished, Lesnar's potential was on full display. He won impressively, and it was announced just four months later during a pay-per view broadcast that Lesnar had signed with the UFC. Lesnar's UFC run was special. Though he suffered three losses against six wins (one win later changed to a no-contest), Lesnar absolutely left his mark on the MMA world by winning the UFC heavyweight title and becoming the biggest pay-per view draw the sport had ever seen. Retiring from MMA for the third time just a few months ago, Lesnar defeated fellow DI wrestler Randy Couture and fellow NCAA super-heavyweight national champ (D II) Shane Carwin during his UFC career.
2. Kamaru Usman
Nigerian born Texan Kamaru Usman began his wresting journey as a sophomore in high school. Improving every year, Usman went from a strong high school run, to qualifying for NAIA Nationals, to becoming a three-time All-American, two-time national finalist, one-time national champion on one of the best teams in the NCAA's Division II. During his time in collegiate wrestling Usman was noted for his immense physical strength, even against Division I opposition he faced at tournaments like the Midlands Championships.
Coming to MMA initially as a training partner and wrestling coach, Usman's imposing build, wrestling, and time spent training top fighters meant he entered his fighting career with quite a bit of buzz. He was even named the top welterweight prospect by a major MMA website in 2015. Aside from an early submission loss (almost a rite of passage for converted wrestlers) he didn't disappoint, as he proceeded to rack up dominant wins. He learned from the loss and resumed winning, entering the UFC in summer 2015 by way of winning The Ultimate Fighter tournament. He has been matched up with very tough opposition for the entirety of his ascension through the UFC ranks. Rising to each new challenge, he impressed greatly on his way to winning the welterweight title in impressive fashion from former NCAA DI All-American Tyron Woodley. Still improving, Usman is an outstanding fighter who can do it all. He is a huge welterweight with heavy hands, and his strength, wrestling, and athleticism make him a nightmare matchup for just about any style.
Johny Hendricks1. Johny Hendricks
Oklahoma native Johny Hendricks' high school career has been considered by at least one highly respected wrestling news outlet to be among the 20 most impressive in modern history. Winning three high school state titles and becoming a four-time Fargo All-American is extremely impressive. It was a sign of things to come and when Hendricks wrestled for the most successful DI program in history, Oklahoma State, he continued to impress. A four-time All-American, three-time national finalist, two-time national champ, Hendricks was also a notorious instigator in college. His skills and personality landed him a unique opportunity post-college, and USA Wrestling was more than a little bummed to lose such a strong competitor to another sport.
Hendricks burst onto the MMA scene in 2007 as a member of the newly formed Team Takedown. Created to offer high-level wrestlers the chance to earn a living and train full-time, in exchange for a substantial salary and access to world-class coaching and facilities, team members would hand a hefty portion of their fight purses over to the team's owners. Hendricks thrived under these circumstances and improved rapidly. Hendricks certainly knew he could wrestle, but a nice surprise was the staggering level of power he naturally possessed in his left hand. He arrived in the UFC after five fights with a combination of world-class wrestling, punching power, and raw strength that was formidable to say the least. From 2011 to 2015 Hendricks was terrifying and surely one of the world's top fighters. On his second try, he captured UFC gold in 2014. Subsequently, in an absolute war, Hendricks would lose his belt to Robbie Lawler before the year was out, but he had solidified his place in UFC history (defeating four DI wrestlers in the process). After a six-fight rough stretch, Hendricks retired in June 2018, recently returning to fight and lose in a bare-knuckle boxing match.
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