Jordan Burroughs, a celebrated Olympic champion in freestyle wrestling, has long held the spotlight in the United States for his impressive achievements on the wrestling mat. With a remarkable journey that began at the tender age of 5, Burroughs etched his name in history by securing an Olympic Gold Medal in 2012 by overcoming Sadegh Saeed Goudarzi of Iran.
His accolades continued to flourish, as he secured the World gold medal the subsequent year. Notably, Burroughs and John Smith share the distinction of being the sole American wrestlers to clinch 3 consecutive world or Olympic gold medals.
Distinguished by an awe-inspiring streak of 3.5 years without a single loss, Burroughs’ domination met a temporary halt in February 2014.
As early as 2012, Burroughs expressed contemplations about the possibility of a future in Mixed Martial Arts. Despite his Olympic aspirations encountering a setback in 2016, he ventured onto the Joe Rogan podcast last year to elaborate on why he didn’t take the plunge into MMA:
“The lady outside, my wife Lauren, is the one that’s talked me out of it. When I graduated from college in 2011, wrestling was still in its infancy of marketing and branding… MMA was the new kid on the block… I really thought about it.”
While Burroughs remains resolute in his decision, he articulated the stark contrast between wrestling and MMA:
“In wrestling, you lose, you get taken down, pushed out, you get pinned… In fighting, you lose, you get something broken, choked out, tapped, unconscious. It’s a very, very different sport.”
However, recent developments hint at a potential evolution in Burroughs’ perspective. A recent viral video has emerged showcasing Burroughs delving into the realm of nogi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This intriguing endeavor has sparked speculation about a potential transition to MMA or even BJJ, presenting an avenue for him to diversify his career.
Burroughs simply captioned the clip saying ‘Leveling up’.
He appears to be also training striking as well, or at least trying his hand at it.
With the prospect of entering the realm of MMA or BJJ, Burroughs could not only expand his horizons but also potentially establish a new revenue stream. While the world of professional wrestling, notably WWE, remains a possibility – as evidenced by WWE’s acquisition of Gable Stevens – the merger between WWE’s parent company and the UFC parent company makes an enticing offer from WWE less likely.
Jordan Burroughs continues to captivate the sports world with his achievements and endeavors, keeping enthusiasts and fans eagerly anticipating his next moves. Whether he embarks on a fresh journey in MMA, BJJ, or continues to reign in the realm of wrestling, Burroughs’ legacy remains indelible.
