Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman — all iconic characters of DC Comics. Even still, when these heroes team together with other heroes like The Flash and Cyborg, an iconic team is born — The Justice League.
So, which MMA fighters would best fill the role of DC’s iconic super team?
Casting MMA Fighters as The Justice League
Georges St-Pierre as Superman
The master of the Superman Punch, Georges St-Pierre is perhaps the most iconic MMA fighter to ever compete. First topping the UFC’s welterweight division at UFC 65, St-Pierre would lose his title in his first defense effort against Matt Serra.
After outscoring Josh Koscheck in a rebounding effort at UFC 74, GSP would gain the interim 170-lb. title by defeating Matt Hughes at UFC 79. At UFC 83, GSP would unify the welterweight titles by stopping Matt Serra in the second round. St-Pierre would go undefeated in his next nine fights, stepping away from the cage after his controversial split decision victory over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167. GSP would return to action at UFC 217, squaring off against Michael Bisping for the middleweight title. In dramatic fashion, St-Pierre would stop Bisping in the third round and would subsequently vacate the 185-lb. title soon after.
Calvin Kattar as Batman
When Batman teams up with other superpowered heroes, it is often pointed out that the Gotham City Savior is but human. Considering this, Batman still hangs with the best of heroes due to his incredible combat skills. Calvin Kattar has shown he is human, being bested by the likes of Max Holloway and Zabit Magomedsharipov. However, there is no denying Kattar’s impeccable striking, marvelous footwork, and high fight IQ.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane as Wonder Woman
Without Wonder Woman, the Justice League would look a whole lot different, or perhaps not even exist at all. Bellator’s women’s flyweight division would look a whole lot different if Ilima-Lei Macfarlane was not a part of it. Picking up her first win under the Bellator banner in 2015, Macfarlane would go on to win the women’s 125-lb. title by submitting Emily Ducote at Bellator 186. The “Ilimanator” would go on to successfully defend her title four times before dropping it to Juliana Velasquez at Bellator 254. 11-1 in her professional career, Macfarlane will soon look to bounce back into title contention.
Dominick Cruz as The Flash
Outside of liking fast cars, Dominick Cruz is known for his speed. The veteran of more than 15 years of professional competition has utilized speed to top the 135-lb. world several times. At WEC 47, Cruz did just that for the first time by knocking off Brian Bowles in the main event. On December 16, 2010, Dominick Cruz was crowned the inaugural UFC bantamweight Champion at WEC 53, WEC’s final show prior to its merger with the UFC. Cruz would hold that title until 2014, where he would vacate it due to injury. By 2016, Cruz was back in the title picture and defeated TJ Dillashaw to regain the bantamweight title.
Elias Theodorou as Aquaman
Not many can replicate the bold character, physical prowess, and fighting skill of Aquaman. As for Elias Theodorou, at least he has the hair down. The former UFC middleweight won the TUF Nations Middleweight Tournament by defeating Sheldon Westcott in 2014. Having wins over Sam Alvey, Cezar Ferreira, and Eryk Anders, the Ontario, Canada native was released by the UFC in 2019. Since then, Theodorou has enjoyed a two-fight win streak, topping Matt Dwyer in his last fight.
Joaquin Buckley as Cyborg
Half man, half cybernetic, Cyborg is perhaps the most physically gifted member of the Justice League. Although lacking in robotic limbs, Joaquin Buckley is incredibly physically gifted. Buckley, who made his UFC debut in 2020, previously competed in Shamrock FC, Bellator, and LFA. Having earned the 2020 Knockout of the Year award for his incredible spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay, Buckley will certainly look to earn another highlight-reel finish in his next outing.
What do you think of this Justice League? What would you change? Last month, we cast MMA fighters as the Avengers. Check out that article here.
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