WWE NXT Star Kelani Jordan Seeks MMA Vet's Advice Ahead of Underground Match vs. Lola Vice

Jordan says she's been training with former UFC fighter Shayna Baszler to prepare for the high-stakes showdown.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice's ongoing feud in WWE's NXT brand will come to a head on Saturday at the NXT Vengeance Day event, where the two will meet in an 'underground match' - a match where the ring ropes are removed and it becomes a mixed martial arts-style fight. Jordan, considered the underdog due to Vice's legitimate MMA background, has been seeking advice from former UFC fighter Shayna Baszler to help her prepare technically and mentally for the high-stakes matchup.

Why it matters

This underground match between Jordan and Vice represents a unique and intense style of competition in the world of professional wrestling, blending the worlds of MMA and sports entertainment. Jordan's decision to seek guidance from a seasoned MMA veteran like Baszler highlights the importance of being well-rounded and prepared for the unpredictable nature of this type of match.

The details

In an underground match, the standard WWE ring is stripped of its ropes, turning it into an impromptu MMA-style fight. The only way to win is to knock out your opponent or make them submit. While Vice has a background in taekwondo that could give her an edge, Jordan has been training with Baszler, a former UFC fighter and two-time NXT Women's Champion, to learn submission techniques and ways to counter Vice's kicks. Jordan also says she's tapping into a 'different side' of herself after Vice kicked her out of their friend group, adding an extra layer of motivation and vengeance to the matchup.

  • The NXT Vengeance Day event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Jordan and Vice's feud has been building for weeks on NXT television.

The players

Kelani Jordan

A rising star in WWE's NXT brand who is considered the underdog heading into her underground match against Lola Vice.

Lola Vice

Jordan's rival in NXT, who has a legitimate background in taekwondo that could give her an advantage in the upcoming underground match.

Shayna Baszler

A former UFC fighter and two-time NXT Women's Champion who has been providing technical and mental training to Kelani Jordan to prepare her for the high-stakes matchup against Lola Vice.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I've been ready because I stay ready, but I reached out to Shayna Baszler to help me just learn the techniques of a martial artist. But also, she's a former UFC fighter, so I've been training with her and I feel more than prepared for the match on Saturday.”

— Kelani Jordan (wxbc1043.com)

“One, she's taught me all the techniques and just being able to, like, how to get out of things that Lola goes for, submissions, Lola throws a lot of kicks because she's based in taekwondo background. So, I was able to learn ways to counter that but also up my offense because I'm not a specialist in submissions and Shayna is known for being the 'submission magician.' She helped me learn actual submissions, things that I could go for or counter for Lola.”

— Kelani Jordan (wxbc1043.com)

“Two weeks ago, Lola was able to see a different side of Kelani Jordan. Me and Lola go way back. We were in the finals of the (NXT) Breakout Tournament together. We also had many big (premium live event) moments together. But also she was my best friend in the locker room and she kicked me out. I feel like when things like that happen, a different side of you comes out. I think Lola's gonna be in for a rude awakening when she realizes, one, I've been training from one of the best, someone who paved the way in NXT. Also, I have a lot of vengeance to get out on her.”

— Kelani Jordan (wxbc1043.com)

What’s next

The underground match between Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice is set to take place at the NXT Vengeance Day event on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

This high-stakes underground match between Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice showcases the unique blend of sports entertainment and MMA-style competition in WWE's NXT brand. Jordan's decision to seek guidance from MMA veteran Shayna Baszler highlights the importance of being well-rounded and prepared for the unpredictable nature of this type of match, while the personal history and added layer of vengeance between the two rivals adds an extra layer of drama and intrigue to the showdown.