Could an Ancient Greek Olympian Fighter Compete in the UFC Today?

Theagenes of Thasos might have a case for the greatest MMA fighter of all time

Statue of Theagenes (Photo by Bradley Weber, from: https://studyabroadingreece.org/the-statue-of-theagenes/)

When we think of the greater mixed martial artists, we think of world-renowned UFC fighters such as Conor Mcgregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Francis Nganou. These fighters rarely ever lose a fight in the Octagon and are near masters in various martial arts and fighting techniques, making them the most formidable fighters in their respective weight class. However, would you believe me the greatest fighter of all time may be an ancient Greek Olympian? This is the story of Theagenes of Thasos.

Theagenes of Thasos was a famous athlete and a fighter in ancient Greece during the 5th century BC. He was naturally gifted with incredible strength, and he was known across Greece as a prodigy at the young age of 9. He had become famous for lifting a bronze statue of Hercules in his city and taking it home. A 9-year-old boy lifting and carrying a massive bronze statue was unheard of. He was almost executed for committing an act of blasphemy but his life was spared on the condition that he returns the statue to its original location, as his talent was admired by the people of Thasos.

As an adult, Theagenes became an extremely accomplished fighter of his era. He was…