Alberto Del Rio Becomes President of an MMA Promotion

It looks like “Mexico’s Greatest Export” is returning to his roots.

Brian Campbell of ESPN is reporting that former WWE superstar Alberto Del Rio has become the president of the MMA promotion known as “Combate Americas.” This promotion is designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve the Hispanic fighting community.

According to Del Rio, when company president and UFC co-founder Campbell McLaren came to him with the offer, he immediately accepted. “As you know, I like to be in front of the camera with a microphone in my hand to tell people all about how proud I am to be Latino and to be a Mexican,” Del Rio said. “I think all of the fighters who are competing for Combate Americas feel the same way.”

Del Rio, whose real name is Alberto Rodriguez, will be actively involved in all aspects of athlete relations and development for Combate Americas. However, he also plans to continue pro wrestling on a part-time basis until 2018, when his focus will turn exclusively to MMA.

“I’m going to be recruiting fighters and I’m going to be there to help them get to the place that they want to get,” Del Rio said.

Del Rio was released by WWE on September 9 of this year. Prior to this, he was suspended by the company for violating their wellness policy.

Editor’s Note:

Perhaps this will be Del Rio’s niche, and he’ll find something to be happy with. It’s clear that he needs a change in the world of sports entertainment, and MMA may be the avenue for him.

What do you think of Alberto Del Rio being in charge of an MMA promotion? Let us know in the comments below, or comment on Facebook!