Andre Fili has competed as a professional MMA fighter since 2009 and has been a member of the UFC roster since 2013.
The veteran athlete has now opened up regarding his desire to perform as a professional wrestler in the world of scripted pro wrestling-based sports entertainment.
Andre Fili talks “steroids” for transition from MMA and UFC to pro wrestling
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, UFC featherweight staple Andre Fili suggested that he’s interested in trying his hand at professional wrestling. “Touchy” indicated that he’s currently focused on his career in the UFC organization in the sport of MMA.
On that note, he outlined that once he’s done with competing in the UFC and hangs up his MMA gloves, he’d utilize a safe amount of steroids to bulk up for an eventual pro wrestling run.
Fili clarified his stance on the use of steroids/banned PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs), implying that he’s not using the banned substances and is indeed complying with the rules in the UFC.
He even signaled that he’s been tested a total of 50 times by the UFC’s former drug testing partner (USADA) and the current drug testing partner (DFSI) combined. The 36-year-old stated:
“After the UFC career, there’s a good chance that I, uh — I just had my 50th (drug) test, so, don’t nobody get mad at me. I’ve p**sed clean 50 times for USADA, or Drug Free Sport, or whatever.”
Fili continued, “But when I’m done with my MMA career, I’m gonna get on a healthy amount of steroids. I’m going to get big as f**k, and then you might see me in a pro wrestling ring… in some tights and some boots.”
Andre Fili on pro wrestling name, MMA influence in WWE
Andre Fili proceeded to opine that he’s likely to adopt a stage name, something many professional wrestlers do, when he performs in that realm.
Nevertheless, Ariel Helwani seemed to advise him that his name is already a strong brand, what with his having extensively competed as a professional mixed martial artist in the UFC for many years. Fili appeared to concur, saying, “Yeah. That’s valid.”
Furthermore, the American fighter alluded to MMA’s rise in the sports and broader popular culture spheres, including references to MMA maneuvers in pro wrestling matches.
The 36-year-old cited an example of pro wrestling and WWE legend The Undertaker, who’s well-known for integrating mixed martial arts striking and grappling moves into his pro wrestling performances.
Fili is of the view that MMA’s influence on pro wrestling has adversely affected the latter. He noted, “The influence of MMA in pro wrestling style has negatively affected wrestling style.”
As of this time, Andre Fili remains a part of the UFC roster and is regarded as a veteran of its featherweight division. His latest Octagon appearance saw him snap a two-fight losing streak, as he beat Kai Kamaka III by way of KO in round two of their featherweight clash at UFC Vegas 122 on October 10.
It’s noteworthy that the UFC and WWE both function under the TKO Group Holdings umbrella, following the UFC-WWE merger back in 2023. As such, Fili’s references to pro wrestling-focused performances in the WWE and his aim to perform as a pro wrestler might lead him to the WWE.
Watch Andre Fili discuss his aim to move from MMA to professional wrestling in the future below:
“When I’m done with my MMA career, I’m going to get on a healthy amount of steroids. I’m gonna get big as f*ck, and then you might see me in a pro wrestling ring.”
Andre Fili is eyeing a potential move to professional wrestling once his MMA career comes to an end. https://t.co/d41QCFe8fZ
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 12, 2026
Johny Payne is a writer, martial artist, and multidisciplinary artist.
He has covered martial arts and combat sports for around a decade, crafting compelling content for fight fans with world-renowned media outlets.
He’s been a writer and martial arts practitioner since childhood. Compassion and respect are among his tenets.
