Home

UFC

“Hate Being Punched in the Kisser” – Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Almost Left His Wrestling Career Behind for MMA

Published 01/22/2022, 11:15 PM EST

Follow Us

Dwayne Johnson is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. He initially made his name at WWE. Although the start of his career wasn’t great, he soon became one of the most popular superstars on the roster.

He was excellent on the mic and had some of the best catchphrases in WWE history. Johnson is considered one of the biggest WWE stars of all time, and he had some amazing rivalries throughout his time there. His popularity hasn’t gone down since leaving the company and he still is a fan favorite.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But there was a time in his career when he almost quit professional wrestling and made a switch to MMA. In his initial years in the company, Johnson wasn’t having the best time and considered going to Japan. However, he quickly realized that it wasn’t for him.

In a tweet, he said, Fun for journalist to dream up the scenarios if I had competed in @ufc (there was a point in 1997 where I considered going to Japan to train to begin an MMA career when my wrestling career was failing miserably). Realized quick I actually hate being punched in the kisser.

Here’s How Ciryl Gane Can Beat Francis Ngannou at UFC 270

Johnson recently appeared on UFC Live on ABC. When was asked about his thoughts about competing in the UFC, he said, “I would’ve gotten my face smashed in and I like my jaw where it’s at.”

Dwayne Johnson and UFC sign a huge deal

Johnson, since leaving the WWE, has involved himself in different projects. He is one of the biggest celebrities in the world and a huge fan of the UFC. Johnson has made multiple appearances on UFC events.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

‘The Rock’ was present for the BMF title fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Now, the actor and the MMA promotion have taken their relationship a step further. Dwayne Johnson’s footwear brand, Project Rock, in association with Under Armour, has signed a global partnership deal with the UFC. The fighters will wear Project Rock footwear for their walkouts during the UFC 270 event.

 The Rock said, “UFC athletes are amongst the greatest, toughest, focused, most disciplined and hardest training athletes on the planet. I am proud, grateful and humbled that my innovative Project Rock training shoe is now the official global footwear partner of the UFC.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY – Five Times Brandon Moreno Obliterated His Opponents Inside The UFC Cage

What do you make of Johnson’s decision to not move to MMA? Also, what is your take on the Project Rock and UFC deal?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Arunaditya Aima

600Articles

One take at a time

Arunaditya is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Multimedia Journalism from IIJNM, Arunaditya aspires to be an important voice in the world of MMA and interview the likes of Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, and other such superstars of the sport. He has followed the sport for over a decade and is an ardent fan of Georges St-Pierre, who he believes is the greatest of all time.
Show More>