Dear Heavyweights,
I am writing to you to inform you of a possible disaster heading your way. It’s origin is Columbus, Ohio, by way of Woodbine, Maryland. It’s name? Kyle Snyder.
I want to fight @ufc
— Kyle Snyder (@Snyder_man45) September 11, 2016
The 2016 Olympic gold medalist (97kg division) was in attendance for UFC 203. The incredible atmosphere must have gotten to him as the Olympic hero tweeted he wants to “fight UFC." That should pique the interest of the UFC brass.
With the champ @TWooodley @ufc pic.twitter.com/2NcN0nGUap
— Kyle Snyder (@Snyder_man45) September 11, 2016
Snyder is a phenom. He was the 2015 world champion and 2016 NCAA heavyweight champion prior to winning the Olympics in the summer. Now it appears the UFC bug has bitten him. Is it a complete infection? Only Father Time can answer that question, but he will almost certainly have a leg up on most of the current heavyweight roster.
The Ohio State Buckeye would certainly not be the first NCAA champion to make the transition, but he would be one of the few Olympic gold medalists to make the jump. UFC veteran Kevin Jackson won a gold at the 1992 Games, and current flyweight contender Henry Cejudo picked up his gold in Beijing in 2008.
Some fans may ask if he can make an immediate impact with minimal training. Yes, he could.
Need a reference? Brock Lesnar. And Snyder is a much better wrestler.
That is not to say he will have the same impact, but to let it be known his abilities make him an intriguing fighter to watch. He will have a lot of work ahead of him should he make the transition to MMA; picking up the striking and jiu-jitsu is no easy task. But being the elite of the elite in wrestling makes him better than most right out of the chute.
Wow @UFC recruiting Kyle Snyder??? Not likely but they should.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) September 11, 2016
Will the UFC sign him? They should. They made it a point to show him on the broadcast, and he would add an instant spark when he steps inside the cage.
Kyle Snyder, UFC fighter. It has a good ring to it.
