Kurt Angle reveals why he turned down three lucrative UFC offers

Kurt Angle detailed the three times he was close to joining Dana White's UFC during his career in an interview with ESPN.

Kurt Angle reveals why he turned down three lucrative UFC offers

Kurt Angle was close to joining Dana White's UFC (via WWE/UFC)

Kurt Angle was one of the most versatile wrestlers of his generation. His ability to work with different styles of wrestling during his career made him respected by the WWE Universe. Angle exited the company in 2006 due to health issues. In an exclusive interview with ESPN, the Wrestling Machine revealed he was close to joining the UFC after his departure.

Despite signing with TNA, he was on board with competing for both promotions. In fact, his contract allowed him to do so. However, Dana White didn’t permit Kurt at the time, as per the Olympic gold medalist. “And I didn’t want to go back to TNA and say, ‘Listen, that contract I just signed is null and void,” he added. Moreover, this would turn out to be the first of three times he came close to joining the UFC.

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It was further claimed by Kurt Angle that he was contacted by the promotion after his gold medal win. According to him, he was offered $150,000 over the course of a 15-match contract. However, the Hall of Famer wasn’t convinced by the contract. Instead, he decided to join the WWE, where he would become one of the most decorated superstars of all time.

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The third time was the closest he got to becoming a UFC fighter. After his contract expired with TNA in 2009, Kurt had a $500,000 deal in store to compete on the Ultimate Fighter reality show. But once again, he decided against it due to serious neck issues. “So, I had to turn it down. But I’m very grateful for the offers Dana White gave me. He is an incredible person,” said the WWE legend.

Related: WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle shockingly reveals the “most disliked superstar” in the locker room in the Ruthless Aggression Era

Kurt Angle spoke about not having any “5-star matches”

Kurt Angle face-to-face with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker
Kurt Angle face-to-face with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker (via WWE)

Dave Meltzer, a wrestling journalist, has published match ratings in professional wrestling since the 1980s. Usually, he comes under scrutiny for his views on WWE bouts. According to fans, it is unfair for a performer of such caliber as Kurt Angle to have never received an official 5-star rating in his entire career.

Recently, the 54-year-old expressed his opinion on the matter while speaking with Chris Van Vliet. First, he claimed that he respected the opinion of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter journalist. Moreover, he mentioned that he understood Meltzer to be knowledgeable in regards to the sport. However, Angle did reveal that it was unfortunate he never received a 5-star rating from him.

“I’m really surprised I haven’t had one five-star match, but that’s his opinion, and I have to respect it,” added the legend. Furthermore, he believed that his matches against The Undertaker at No Way Out 2006 and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 21 stood out as bouts that deserved full marks.

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