Bobby Lashley Never Fought In UFC For Specific Reason

Bobby Lashley has lifted the lid on why he never opted to fight in UFC.

The former two-time WWE Champion, who made his AEW debut at Fright Night Dynamite on 30th October, has enjoyed a Hall Of Fame-worthy in-ring career in professional wrestling whilst also holding a highly respectable 17-2 record in mixed martial arts.

The dominating 6ft 3 inch powerhouse took just 41 seconds to claim victory in his MMA debut against Joshua Franklin on 13th December 2007 and went on to compete in 16 further bouts in the nine years that followed. Lashley fought on shows promoted by the likes of Strikeforce and Bellator during that time, but never stepped foot into the famed UFC octagon.

Speaking during a recent appearance on ‘INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet‘, the 48 year-old explained that a desire to keep wrestling alongside his MMA appearances proved problematic in agreeing a deal:

“At the beginning, when I first started fighting, I think there were little talks with it. They said, ‘Yeah, we’ll give him an opportunity, but he needs to work his way up.’ I was like, ‘Okay.’

It was a decision I had to make. One, I could fight for some other organizations that were offering more money. I always thought, if the situation changes in WWE, I thought that was my calling and where I really deserved to be.

I just needed time away because of the situation and things going on. I was like, ‘Here is an opportunity for me to keep it open and then go back.’ I didn’t want to lock in a contract with them because I would have to shut off wrestling.

I was like, ‘I don’t want to give up pro wrestling.’ That was the biggest thing. I didn’t want to give up pro wrestling. When I talked to Bellator they were like, ‘We’ll let you pro wrestle.’ Done.”

Bobby Lashley Explains Decision To Join AEW

Bobby Lashley has explained his decision to join AEW after a successful six-year long second stint with WWE.

Lashley departed WWE following the expiration of his contract on 16th August 2024, opting instead to sign with Tony Khan’s organisation.

Whilst a reunion with former WWE stablemates MVP and Shelton Benjamin has been welcomed, Lashley highlighted Khan’s personality as the major factor behind his decision to make the jump.

H/T: Fightful for the above transcription.