Money Motive Keeps American Wrestlers From MMA, Says Cormier
Daniel Cormier says higher pay in wrestling—especially coaching around $200,000 a year—has cooled the pipeline of American wrestlers entering MMA, slowing the sport’s flow even as stars like Gable Steveson debut; only a few athletes publicly consider fighting, with Kennedy Blades the notable exception among the 2024 U.S. Olympians, while coaching or Real American Freestyle offer steadier income.