Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
A dynamic in-ring performer, Steamboat was renowned for his ability to put together classic matches with the likes of Randy “Macho Man” Savage and “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Steamboat was a great athlete and always in impeccable shape. That physical commitment and professionalism would benefit him in any athletic endeavor.
While Steamboat was not a standout amateur wrestler -- he did compete successfully in high school -- he showed an interest in martial arts from an early age and took his nickname and persona from Bruce Lee. Part of that was packaging for marketing purposes, but Steamboat’s interest in different forms of physical competition was legitimate and would lend itself to MMA. It is likely he would have produced some entertaining, well-executed bouts, just like he did in pro wrestling.
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