WWE‘s longstanding connection with UFC and the world of mixed martial arts has grown significantly deeper following their acquisition by TKO, marking a new era of collaboration and mutual appreciation between the two entertainment powerhouses.
This strengthened bond is evident as WWE and UFC now seamlessly complement each other, creating an exciting dynamic for fans, even though the two brands maintain their distinct identities and styles in the world of combat sports.
This growing partnership was prominently showcased during a recent episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, where UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira made a surprise appearance, captivating the audience in Buffalo, New York.
Fans were thrilled to see the formidable fighter known as “Poatan” in the crowd, but the highlight was undoubtedly his interaction with WWE superstar Roman Reigns, a celebrated figure in the wrestling industry recognized for his impressive reigns as champion.
ESPN MMA captured the memorable moment when Pereira and Reigns exchanged merchandise, a gesture that symbolizes the camaraderie developing between their respective worlds. “I appreciate your body of work,” Reigns remarked, as reported by Arda Ocal of ESPN. “Hell of a run so far and we’re excited for what you’re gonna do in the future.”
Pereira is currently the second-best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, a testament to his skill and determination, trailing only behind the formidable UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev.
Currently boasting an impressive 12-2 record, Pereira has demonstrated his prowess inside the Octagon, with two of those victories coming by knockout and another two by decision. He has proudly held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship for 362 days.
In addition to his UFC success, Pereira has an extensive kickboxing background with a notable 33-7 record, having secured several titles within the prestigious Glory promotion and earning induction into the Glory Hall of Fame in 2023.
Roman Reigns embarked on his WWE journey in 2010 as a competitor in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE’s developmental territory, which has since evolved into NXT.
Three years later, he made his main roster debut on November 18, 2012, as a member of The Shield alongside fellow superstars Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose (currently known as Jon Moxley in AEW).
While all three wrestlers showcased incredible talent, Reigns distinctly stood out, receiving significant pushes from WWE management throughout his career. By 2015, he ascended to the pinnacle of the company as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
During his illustrious career, the “Tribal Chief” has engaged in gripping feuds with other top wrestlers, including Brock Lesnar, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Braun Strowman. However, his journey faced a significant challenge when he revealed that his leukemia had returned after 11 years; thankfully, it was later announced that he was in remission.
After making a triumphant return to WWE on February 25, 2019, Reigns quickly reestablished his presence in the main event scene. Following a temporary hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, he aligned himself with the legendary Paul Heyman and began the formation of the acclaimed Bloodline faction.
This pivotal alliance led to an extraordinary title reign, extending into the modern era of professional wrestling, ending only after his loss to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40 Night 2.
Throughout his tenure in WWE, Reigns has captured the WWE Championship four times, the WWE Universal Championship twice, as well as the Intercontinental Championship, the United States Championship, and the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Seth Rollins. Notably, he also triumphed in the 2015 Royal Rumble, further solidifying his legacy in the industry.
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**Interview with Combat Sports Analyst, Sarah Thompson**
*Editor: Today, we’re joined by combat sports analyst Sarah Thompson to discuss the exciting new developments in the collaboration between WWE and UFC since their acquisition by TKO. Welcome, Sarah!*
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me! There’s a lot to unpack in this growing alliance between the two organizations.
*Editor: Absolutely! One of the most talked-about moments recently was UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira’s surprise appearance on WWE Friday Night SmackDown. What did you think about that crossover?*
**Sarah Thompson:** It was fantastic! Seeing Pereira interact with Roman Reigns showcased the respect and camaraderie that’s developing between the two sports. It’s important for fans of both WWE and UFC to witness fighters from different disciplines appreciating one another’s work.
*Editor: Fans were definitely excited, especially with the exchange of merchandise between Pereira and Reigns. How significant do you think such gestures are for the future of both brands?*
**Sarah Thompson:** They’re very significant. Such gestures symbolize an openness to collaboration that could lead to exciting cross-promotional events. It draws in diverse fanbases and lets people appreciate the unique aspects of wrestling and MMA. It also offers athletes a broader platform to engage with fans.
*Editor: Speaking of athletes, Alex Pereira is currently ranked second in the pound-for-pound UFC rankings. How does his background in kickboxing influence his success in MMA?*
**Sarah Thompson:** Pereira’s kickboxing background is crucial. With a 33-7 record in kickboxing before transitioning to MMA, he has a striking skillset that’s elite, and it’s evident in the way he fights. His experience in kickboxing helps him maintain a striking edge inside the Octagon, making him a formidable opponent.
*Editor: And what about Roman Reigns? His journey in WWE has been remarkable since he started back in 2010. How does he compare in terms of popularity and influence to someone like Pereira?*
**Sarah Thompson:** Roman Reigns is arguably one of the biggest stars in wrestling today. His character development and championship reigns have made him a face of WWE. While their sports are different, both athletes have immense influence in their respective fields. It’s exciting to see them recognize each other’s achievements on such a public platform.
*Editor: It truly is a new era for combat sports with this partnership. What do you foresee as the next steps for WWE and UFC in strengthening their bond?*
**Sarah Thompson:** I think we might see more crossover events or appearances that intertwine their storylines and characters. Perhaps we could even witness some hybrid events where fans can engage with both sports in new and creative ways. As they capitalize on their combined audiences, it could usher in innovative entertainment options for fans.
*Editor: Thanks, Sarah, for your insights! We look forward to seeing where this partnership leads. Stay tuned, folks, as the world of combat sports evolves before our eyes!*
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you! I’m excited to see what’s next.