Some ardent ASU Football fans may not be aware of the distinguished list of former Sun Devil wrestlers who have transitioned to MMA. The group includes UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, UFC Hall of Famer Dan Severn, former Pride and Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson and light heavyweight contender Ryan Bader.

Now, another former Sun Devil wrestler is poised to make a name for himself in the world of mixed martial arts.

Bubba Jenkins, who won the 2011 NCAA 157-pound championship in his only year at ASU, signed a deal to fight for Bellator MMA in May.

But a contract with a top MMA promotion doesn’t come without proving you’re worth it, and through three professional fights, “The Highlight Kid” has done just that. None of Jenkins’ victims has made it out of the first round with the former Sun Devil.

Jenkins submitted Josh Williams due to strikes in his first professional fight on Dec. 2, 2011 and his next two opponents didn’t fare any better. Jenkins submitted both of them by way of rear-naked-choke in less then 2:30.

Although he’s clearly flashed the talent to be an elite MMA fighter, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney won’t be throwing Jenkins in to the deep end right away.

“Bubba Jenkins is MMA’s top young prospect and we have the optimal developmental program to maximize that talent,” Rebney said in a press release. “Our mission is to sign and develop the world’s best fighters.  Bubba’s development will be strategic and disciplined, taking all appropriate preliminary steps prior to his facing the rigors of the toughest tournament in sports.”

Bubba Jenkins went 73-21 in college, beginning his career at wrestling juggernaut Penn State before transferring to ASU for the 2011 season.

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For Bubba Jenkins’ comments on transitioning from “ASU” to MMA, go to 3:20.

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