A former two-time UFC champion said he would love to see Ohio State wrestler Jesse Mendez compete as a mixed martial arts fighter.
During the 2026 NCAA Wrestling Championships March 20, Ohio native Stipe Miocic said out of all those participating in this year’s tournament, Mendez would stand the best chance in a professional MMA camp.
“I was talking to my buddy about this. Jesse Mendez? He’s tough,” Miocic said via FloWrestling. “He’s tough. He wants to hurt you.”
Miocic wrestled collegiately at Cleveland State and is known as one of the best heavyweight UFC fighters of all time. He holds the record for the most consecutive title fight wins.
But Miocic said he would hesitate to step back onto the mat with Mendez.
“I don’t want to wrestle him. I don’t want to wrestle him at all,” Miocic said. “I like to watch from the stands, but good for him. … Plus an Ohio State guy, that’s always nice.”
Mendez won over Lehigh wrestler Luke Stanich in a 4-1 overtime decision to advance to the 141-pound national championship match. He seeks his third title and faces Oklahoma State wrestler Sergio Vega, who beat Nebraska’s Brock Hardy.
