As Bianca Belair inches closer to her in-ring return, the EST of WWE is also fielding questions about a potential career switch to a different combat sport. With the line between WWE and UFC blurring under the TKO umbrella, Belair has addressed fan speculation about her one day stepping into the Octagon.
While speaking to Sports Illustrated, Belair acknowledged the history of crossovers, like CM Punk’s move to the UFC. While she expressed respect for the sport, she made it clear that her focus remains with WWE and that any potential move would require immense dedication.
“I respect that sport so much,” Belair stated. “You know, I think we’ve seen crossover before with UFC fighters coming over into WWE. We’ve seen Punk before going over to UFC. I think I’m very happy and comfortable being in WWE. If I ever did that, I would train extremely hard. I know it’s not something you can just walk into and think you’re going to be successful. I’ve learned to never say never, but I know my mom would be very scared if I ever did that.”
Belair’s comments come as she has been sidelined with a finger injury sustained at WrestleMania 41 back in April. Reports indicate she is expected to be medically cleared for a full in-ring return following this weekend. Her inclusion in a major WWE announcement event in Las Vegas alongside Triple H and Liv Morgan further signals that her comeback is imminent.
For now, the three-time WWE Women’s Champion remains focused on returning to the top of the women’s division, though she isn’t completely closing the door on other athletic ventures in the future.