Former WWE and Impact Wrestling star Alberto El Patron (aka Alberto Del Rio) announced on Monday that he would be making his return to mixed martial arts in 2019.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour, Patron indicated he would be making his return to the sport and fighting at Combate Americas first PPV event some time in 2019.
Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren, who brought in Patron as an ambassador for the MMA promotion, indicated the PPV could be taking place some time in February.
Patron is 9-5 in his MMA career, with his last fight taking place in February of 2010 losing to Mamoru Yamamoto. He had signed a three-year contract with WWE back in June of 2009 and officially debuted on television in June of 2010.
His most notable fight came against former Pride and UFC star Mirko Cro Cop in October of 2003. Patron was knocked via head kick in the first round of that fight. He was on a six fight win streak heading into his loss in 2010 according to Sherdog.
Patron also stated he wasn’t sure if this would only be a one-fight deal, teasing it would be against a “former super champion” that is well known in the United States and Mexico. Patron, 41, also added that he didn’t enjoy the wrestling business anymore.
Thanks to our friends at Online World of Wrestling for help with this report.