On the surface, stand-up comedy and martial arts seem like completely opposite pursuits but there are actually quite a few similarities between the two endeavors.
For one, they both take a tremendous amount of courage to even attempt, let alone be successful at.
Also, they are both solitary pursuits. Sure, in martial arts you’re going to have a team to train with but when it’s time to compete, you are in there alone, much like in stand-up where it’s just you up there.
The following 5 funny men all have legitimate backgrounds in martial arts that perhaps could have led to a career in mixed martial arts had stand-up not panned out.
5) Dante Nero
This tough guy comedian and actor has trained in Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Krav Maga.
“>
He is also a very big dude who stands 6’2 and allegedly weighs over 300lbs so he would most likely be a super heavyweight if he were to ever fight MMA.
4) Mike Vecchione
Mike Vecchione is a former wrestler who went to Penn State on a wrestling scholarship.
“>
He also placed second in the 1991 AAA state wrestling tournament in his home state of Florida during high school and his wrestling base would most likely serve him well in MMA.
3) Adam Hunter
Adam Hunter, much like Mike Vecchione, comes from a wrestling background as well and was a 2 time all New England Champion.
“>
Known for his MMA Roasted podcast, Hunter is also a wrestling coach in Brentwood, California.
2) Greg Warren
Much like the previous 2 guys on this list, comedian Greg Warren also comes from a wrestling background where he was a two time High School State Champion and 1991 NCAA Division 1 All-American at the University of Missouri.
“>
1) Joe Rogan
Beloved UFC commentator and podcaster, Joe Rogan, is cut from a different cloth compared to the other guys on this list it seems.
“>
He may not be as decorated a wrestler as these last few guys, but he’s a former Taekwondo champion as well as a former kickboxer, not to mention a black belt in BJJ, both in the gi as well as in no-gi.
