"I love MMA" - 7-time champion had plans to fight in a cage before signing with WWE

WWE has previously seen stars transition from the UFC into full-time performers at the Stamford-based promotion. A world champion recently revealed that he had plans to move into the world of Mixed Martial Arts, as he was preparing for a fight inside a cage before signing with the company.

It's not strange for a WWE Superstar to be a fan of sports and sporting events outside the world of professional wrestling. World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest is an avid viewer of MMA and loves the combat sport when the star is outside the square circle.

Speaking on The Rob Brown Show, The Archer of Infamy recalled when he had plans to fight in a cage and was in talks to host a small-scale event before signing the dotted line with WWE.

"I love MMA! I'm a fan; I've always been. I was trained. There was a time before I signed with WWE that I didn't think I was going to make it here, and I was in talks to do a smaller-scale event, but I was going to fight in a cage. I was going to start training. I already talked to some trainers, and I was going to get the ball rolling, and then WWE called, and I was like, 'Nevermind!''' said Priest. (From 2:46:45 to 2:47:14)

While Priest still loves MMA, he's fully committed to remaining a full-time performer for the Stamford-based promotion.

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Damian Priest signed a new deal with WWE after WrestleMania XL

Damian Priest went through a rough patch on the main roster under the old regime after he lost the United States Championship. Later, he created The Judgment Day under Edge's tutelage to dominate the red brand.

Today, The Judgment Day is one of the best factions in the industry and growing in numbers. After a historic win against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania XL, the new World Heavyweight Champion revealed he had signed a new deal with the company.

"Yeah, that's another first for me. This has been already a great year for me. A new contract; a new title; and a new theme song, voiced by yours truly. The Judgment Day's on fire!" said Priest. [0:35 to 0:50]

The Archer of Infamy had a successful title defense against Jey Uso in France earlier this month. It will be interesting to see how he fares in his next title defense.

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If you use any quotes, please credit The Rob Brown Show and provide an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for transcription!