Perhaps the best-known superhero team is The Avengers. The super-powered phenomenon has been loved for decades by comic book fans and has recently gained worldwide notoriety for its movie adaptations. Its most recent roster includes Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, War Machine, Ant-Man, and Captain Marvel.
So, which MMA fighters would best fill the role of Marvel’s most popular superhero squad?
Casting MMA Fighters as The Avengers
Brian Ortega as Iron Man
Smart and snarky, Iron Man knows how to fight and talk a little smack. In the cage, Brian Ortega has shown he can fight. “T-City” has 10 finishes to his name, last finishing Frankie Edgar at UFC 222. Ortega has also shown his ability to talk during this season of TUF. With the TUF 29 season coming to an end, does Brian Ortega defeat Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266 for the featherweight title?
Brian Stann as Captain America
No other fighter would better represent Captain America than “The All-American”. Serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003-2008, Brian Stann earned the rank of captain by the end of his military career. While still in service, Stann began competing in MMA and at WEC 33 won the WEC Light Heavyweight Championship. By the time of his retirement in 2013, Stann held wins over several notable opponents including Chris Leben and Alessio Sakara.
Brock Lesnar as Hulk
The Hulk is known for his massive physical attributes, brute strength, and aggressive combat style, and if anyone fits that bill, its Brock Lesnar. The former WWE and UFC Heavyweight Champion rose to MMA superstardom when he knocked off UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture at UFC 91. Lesnar last competed in the UFC in 2016 and is currently listed an active member of WWE’s Raw.
Roy Nelson as Thor
Although a little bit quirky sometimes, Thor knows how to throw down. Roy Nelson knows how to do the same. “Big Country” made his MMA debut in 2004 and won eight of his first ten fights. Nelson won the IFL Heavyweight Championship in 2007 and soon found his way onto The Ultimate Fighter. In the TUF 10 Tournament Final, Nelson defeated Brendan Schuab to win the tournament. Nelson would go on to fight eighteen more times in the UFC before joining Bellator in 2017.
Valentina Shevchenko as Black Widow
No explanation is needed for this one. Valentina Shevchenko is a bad, bad woman. Since winning the women’s flyweight title in 2018, “Bullet” has gone on to defend her title five times, knocking off the likes of Liz Carmouche and Jennifer Maia. In her last outing, Shevchenko dominated Jéssica Andrade, finishing her in the second round.
Tim Kennedy as Hawkeye
Both skilled in hand-to-hand combat and military tactics, Tim Kennedy fills the boots of Hawkeye. Kennedy, who currently serves in the U.S. Army Special Forces and has earned many military awards for his service, competed in WEC, Strikeforce, and the UFC. Kennedy competed professionally for over fifteen years and defeated the likes of Robbie Lawler and Michael Bisping.
Leon Edwards as War Machine
Although a hero in his own right, War Machine has never quite become a ‘leading’ character in The Avengers. Much of the same can be said about Leon Edwards. Edwards, who last fought at UFC 263 against Nate Diaz, has been a steady contender within the welterweight division. Although unbeaten since 2015, Edwards has taken a back seat within the 170-lb. division behind the likes of Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington.
Hector Sandoval and Stefan Struve as Ant-Man
It only seems fitting for the shortest fighter in UFC history and the tallest fighter in UFC history to dawn the suit of Ant-Man. Hector Sandoval, who last competed in the UFC in 2017, stands at five feet, two inches. Stefan Struve, who retired from professional competition earlier this year, stood at a staggering seven feet.
Rose Namajunas as Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel is the best, and she knows it. However, her boldness is not unfounded. Her powers are unmatched, and her technique is superb. Does anyone remember Bruce Buffer announcing Rose Namajunas at UFC 261 before her fight with Zhang Weili? As she was being announced, “Thug” was yelling ‘I’m the best!’. Does anyone recall the outcome of that fight? Rose Namajunas was crowned the UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion for the second time.
What did you think of our list of MMA fighters who would make The Avengers? Would you change anything? Do you think this team could save the world? Let us know below!
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