UFC 121: Brock Lesnar and 10 WWE Wrestlers Who Could Succeed in MMA

The UFC rivals WWE in more ways than one.  Yet, at the same time they do have striking similarities.  UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar found that out when he switched in his "Next Big Thing" moniker to be the new "Baddest Man on The Planet."

Lesnar made a successful switch from WWE Champion to UFC Champion and is one of the best athletes you will ever see.  This is even more marvelous when considering his size and how well he moves around. 

Here's a list that many will find interest in.  Now, we breakdown WWE athletes that could succeed in MMA.

10. The Undertaker

The Undertaker is the greatest "big man" athlete in the history of wrestling bar-none.  Also, he may be the best wrestler of this generation.  Mark Calaway is one of the deadliest strikers in wrestling and could carry that over to MMA.  

His striking and submission move that he often times pulls off, a modified omoplata, would make him a deadly force.  Hey, maybe he could even get revenge on Lesnar for his losses to him as WWE Champion. 

9. Shawn Michaels

Shawn Michaels.  "The Icon" "The Main Event" "The Show-Stopper" "Mr. WrestleMania."  Yeah, you get the idea. He was one of the most decorated athletes in the history of professional wrestling and also one of the most talented. 

His fast-paced style and athleticism would serve him well in MMA.  Even without any real training or background, Michaels would be able to do well and use his speed to oust opponents.  Much like Frankie Edgar does. 

No Super Kicking though Shawn.  But for now, let Shawn remain happily retired.   

8. Shelton Benjamin

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Shelton Benjamin looks on from the corner during WWE Smackdown at Acer Arena on June 15, 2008 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty Images)

He was perhaps the most underrated and underused performers in WWE during his time there. This college stand-out is a naturally gifted athlete and wrestler.

He would do well in MMA and would put on many exciting bouts in the process.  This would be a major jump worth taking for Benjamin.

7. Rob Van Dam

Rob Van Dam is one of the most underrated wrestlers of all-time.  After starting out in the ECW at a Bingo Hall in South Philadelphia, he went mainstream and became a champion in WWE and now TNA.

Van Dam would be a great MMA fighter for the simple fact that he has a very canny, unorthodox style and is very exciting.  He even boasts a kick-boxing background and is indeed a martial artist.

His style and stand-up would help him.  Though he would be a bit undersized at Heavyweight, he would make it work simply because he's the Whole F'N Show.  

6. Chris Jericho

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LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 24: Wrestler Chris Jericho jumps off the ropes at wrestler MVP during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Chris Jericho, trained in the infamous Hart Family Dungeon, was a top performer in the wrestling world for two decades.  Jericho, whose father Ted played in the NHL, was a multi-talented athlete who graced McMahon's canvas and became one of his top little guys in the business.

Jericho would fair well at a smaller weight in MMA.  His amazing mat skills, with training would given any number of competitors a run for their money.  He's a major-league draw for his size and would be able to make any fight big.  

5. Jack Swagger

The All-American-American Jack Swagger is an athlete for the ages.  That's right, I said American twice.  While at the University of Oklahoma, Swagger was a two-time All-American athlete.  Wow.  

His natural wrestling skills are among the best in the WWE and he is quite techincally sound.  In the cage, Swagger could be a very effective fighter and would be able to wrestle his way past many of the heavyweights, if he could get them onto the ground of course. 

4. CM Punk

He has become an enjoyable on-screen character and has various backgrounds of style too.  Punk, a former champion, can do it all in the ring.  If he were to modify that and bring it to MMA he could be dangerous.

His lethal kicks and unorthodox style would always keep opponents guessing.  His submissions are among the best and most unique that wrestling has ever seen and he would only continue to develop his ground skills in MMA.

3. Daniel Bryan

He has become the top ring tactician of this era and is one of the best wrestlers on the planet.  A hit with internet fans, Bryan now brings his style to the WWE.

Bryan would be an ideal fit to MMA.  His submissions and ground work rival anyone I've seen in WWE.  Also, he might just be right up there with some martial artists.  Regardless of speculation, it would be interesting to find out.  Oh, did I mention that he trained at Xtreme Couture?

2. Kurt Angle

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31 Jul 1996: Kurt Angle of the United States holds the American flag at the free-style wrestling competition during the Summer Olympics at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist would tear apart most MMA fighters.  Honestly, he's without a doubt the best tactician in the sport still.  I would have always loved to see him fight Bret Hart.  Hart didn't make this list as he hasn't wrestled legitamately in over 10 years.

Angle has the best background that would suit the cage and would have a field day against guys that can't wrestle.  He is a very dangerous all-around fighter.

1. Brock Lesnar

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 13: MMA fighter Brock Lesnar walks in the garage area during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Drive4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

 Not only was he very successful in the NCAA and WWE, but now Lesnar has translated that to MMA as well.  He is one of the best athletes you will ever see for his size and has made an impact everywhere he has went so far.

Lesnar is just as good on the ground as he is in the stand-up.  Also, he has become the UFC's biggest draw.  His fight with Cain Velasquez on Saturday will further help in defining his career.