Kurt Angle recently appeared on The MMA Hour and spoke about how close he was to fighting MMA. Here are the highlights…
On How Close He Was to Doing MMA: “I’ve had meetings with them all in MMA, World Series (where he’s still in talks about possibly doing a television commentary role), Elite XC, twice with UFC. Whether it was the money or the timing wasn’t right, it didn’t happen. I considered going until I turned 42. I wouldn’t even think about doing it now, unfortunately. I don’t regret it. When I met with Dana White, he wanted me to quit wrestling entirely, but I had just signed with TNA (the No. 2 U.S. pro wrestling company). I met with Dana the same week and he said I needed to quit wrestling. I couldn’t tell (TNA owner) Dixie Carter I wanted to back out.”
On Almost Appearing on the Ultimate Fighter: “The second time I met with Dana, I took the physical,” Angle said. “He wanted me to do The Ultimate Fighter with Kimbo. He was great. He was willing to pay me a good bit of money to be on the show. But he wanted me ready in four-and-a-half weeks. It just wasn’t in the cards. I think it would have been great TV. He was willing to sign me to a six-fight deal after the show, but he wanted me on the show. But it wasn’t going to happen in four-and-a-half weeks.”
Tay Melo Posts Cryptic Video Amid AEW Release Reports & Expected Release Soon
AEW: Bandido & Kyle Fletcher Get Involved In Altercation Angle at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs) on Leaving AEW for WWE & Personal Reasons for His AEW Departure Decision, All In 2026 Ticket Sales Update
Nick Aldis on Bret Hart Being First Person To Text Him After SummerSlam Match Against Gunther Was Announced, Feeling “Nervous But Excited” For His Match Against Gunther, & His Belief His Upcoming Match Is Evidence of His Impact As A “Significant General Manager” in WWE
