Emma Raducanu stunned the combat sports world Tuesday by announcing her transition from professional tennis to mixed martial arts, signing a training contract with American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida.
The 21-year-old former US Open champion made the surprise revelation during a press conference at the renowned MMA facility, where she appeared alongside head coach Mike Brown and several UFC veterans.
From Centre Court to the Octagon
Raducanu, who captured tennis’s biggest prize at Flushing Meadows in 2021 as an 18-year-old qualifier, cited persistent wrist injuries and a desire for “a completely different physical and mental challenge” as primary motivations for the career pivot.
“Tennis gave me everything I could have dreamed of, but my body kept breaking down,” Raducanu said. “The wrist surgeries, the constant rehab – I realized I needed to find something that would allow me to compete at the highest level without the repetitive stress on my joints.”
The British athlete’s tennis ranking had plummeted to No. 301 in the WTA standings following a string of early exits and injury withdrawals throughout 2024. Her lone tournament victory remains that magical two-week run in New York three years ago.
Elite Training Environment Beckons
American Top Team has produced numerous UFC champions, including former welterweight king Robbie Lawler and current flyweight contender Alexandre Pantoja. Brown, who has coached multiple title holders, expressed confidence in Raducanu’s athletic transition.
“Emma has elite-level hand-eye coordination and incredible footwork – attributes that translate beautifully to MMA,” Brown said. “Her competitive drive is off the charts. We’ve seen athletes successfully cross over from other sports before.”
The facility’s strength and conditioning program will focus initially on building Raducanu’s grappling base and striking fundamentals. Former UFC bantamweight Urijah Faber, who trains part-time at ATT, has agreed to mentor her through the early stages.
Unprecedented Career Shift
No Grand Slam singles champion has ever attempted such a dramatic sport transition. Raducanu’s decision echoes other high-profile crossover attempts, though none from tennis at her level of previous achievement.
Former Olympic judoka Ronda Rousey dominated early women’s MMA before moving to professional wrestling. Holly Holm transitioned from boxing to become a UFC champion. But Raducanu’s tennis background presents unique challenges and advantages.
“The mental toughness required for both sports overlaps significantly,” said veteran MMA analyst John McCarthy. “She’s competed under immense pressure and knows how to handle adversity. The physical skills are learnable.”
Financial and Timeline Considerations
Raducanu’s tennis career earnings exceeded $3.2 million in prize money, not including substantial endorsement deals with Nike, Tiffany & Co., and British Airways. Her management team confirmed that several sponsors remain committed during the transition period.
The training timeline projects 18-24 months before potential amateur competition, with professional debut discussions pending athletic commission licensing. Florida’s regulatory framework allows former professional athletes in other sports to pursue MMA licenses with proper training documentation.
American Top Team’s medical staff conducted extensive physical evaluations, determining that Raducanu’s wrist issues should not significantly impact MMA training due to the sport’s grappling emphasis and different striking mechanics.
Industry Reaction Mixed
Tennis legends reacted with surprise to the announcement. Former world No. 1 Andy Murray called the decision “brave but concerning,” while Billie Jean King wished Raducanu “success in whatever path brings her joy.”
MMA personalities welcomed the news more enthusiastically. UFC President Dana White posted on social media that he “looks forward to seeing what she can accomplish” in her new sport.
British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who has promoted several MMA events, suggested Raducanu could eventually headline UK cards if she develops competitive skills.
Raducanu begins full-time training next Monday, with her first sparring sessions scheduled for early February after completing basic grappling certification.
