One Tiger wrestler’s crushing knockout sparked a wave of MMA stardom.
One Tiger wrestler’s crushing knockout sparked a wave of MMA stardom.
On a fateful night in 2018, Jordan Burroughs’s teammate, Gage Dickey, dropped Ryan Bader with a devastating right hand in the first round, sending UFC Fight Night into a frenzy. The crowd erupted as Dickey celebrated his 2-0 record in the Octagon, cementing a legacy that would soon include two-time Olympic wrestler and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jordan Burroughs as an accomplished Tiger Style MMA convert.
From NCAA championships to UFC title fights, Tiger Style has produced some accomplished mixed martial artists – a remarkable testament to the program’s dedication to developing well-rounded athletes. The wrestling powerhouse’s pipeline to MMA fame began with the likes of Matt Van Buren, a former Tiger wrestler turned UFC Welterweight contender, who earned a notable victory over Ben Saunders in 2016. Van Buren’s success paved the way for Dickey, who currently boasts a 10-2 record in the Octagon.
For those closely following the story, Dickey’s rise to prominence is particularly remarkable. Recalling the aftermath of his UFC debut, an emotional Dickey revealed: ‘I remember calling my family the next morning, tears streaming down my face as I said, ‘Dad, I did it. I’m an MMA fighter now.’ Now, with a string of impressive performances under his belt, Dickey’s meteoric rise to success has inspired countless others at Mizzou.
What happens next for Dickey and the growing Tiger Style MMA contingent? A highly anticipated showdown with top contender, Justin Gaethje, is reportedly in the works, set to take place at UFC 285. As the stakes rise, fans and former opponents alike eagerly await Dickey’s next step in the Octagon.
As Tiger Style’s pipeline to MMA fame continues to grow, one thing is certain: the wrestling program’s dedication to developing world-class athletes has yielded a legacy that transcends the sport itself.
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Mizzou wrestlers have turned pro in MMA?
Four Mizzou wrestlers have turned pro in MMA, with two-time Olympic wrestler Jordan Burroughs being the most notable.
Who is the current record holder for Mizzou MMA wrestlers in the UFC?
Gage Dickey holds the current record for Mizzou MMA wrestlers in the UFC with a 10-2 record.
📌 Related Coverage
Mizzou wrestlingJordan BurroughsGage DickeyUFCMMA
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