5 Boxers who should be in the UFC
Boxing and MMA have a lot more in common than you think. If Boxing is the old school dad, MMA is the brash young kid on the block. If Boxing is a classic book, MMA is the movie rendition which is naturally more picturesque than its source of inspiration. The business model of both sports, though, is like singing off the same songbook, as both combat art forms sell fights on PPVs.
As any mixed martial artist would tell you, understanding the rudiments of boxing are important in order to become a complete fighter. The basics of MMA striking have all been picked up from boxing which has tempted some pugilists to swap the ring for the Octagon. But, MMA is a whole different ball game as it's a full-contact sport. We all remember what happened to James Toney right?
While most boxers were overwhelmed by the no-holds-barred nature of MMA, a handful of them cherished it. Holly Holm is one such success story. Chris Lyte is partially one. Heath Heather of Bellator aspires to reach the heights of glory achieved by Holm. Sadly, that's pretty much it.
Cross-promotion has always benefited both MMA and Boxing, case in point, McGregor vs. Mayweather. However, not all boxers are cut out for the unrelenting world of MMA. This slider will take a look at the ones who would actually do good in MMA and just to make it more interesting, we have listed down their ideal UFC opponents too.
#5 Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor II
Financially, this is a no-brainer. Realistically, it may never happen. Mayweather is conscious of his image of being this unconquerable yet equally annoying sports figure. Those of you who watched his 'exhibition boxing match' against Tenshin Nasukawa would attest to the fact that Money would steer clear from any precarious situation at this stage in his career.
He is, however, a loudmouthed brand in itself who despite all the hate, is one of the most gifted boxers of all time. The questionable integrity aside, Mayweather vs McGregor was one of the highest-grossing boxing matches of all time, and, we can't even imagine the amount of money all parties would make if Mayweather does decide on having an MMA fight.
Mayweather has toyed with the idea of giving MMA a shot in the past but seems to be smart enough to realize his incredibly slim chances of victory inside a cage where kicks, takedowns and tiring grappling sequences are a boxer's worst nightmare.
Mayweather is all about making money as his nickname suggests and thus, we wouldn't completely rule out the prospect of Dana White successfully convincing the undefeated boxer for a second round against the Notorious One, but this time, for it to happen in the Irishman's backyard. McGregor would love the idea, the fans would love the idea of seeing Mayweather get pummeled in the UFC, but Mayweather? He would rather have an exhibition fight against CM Punk than go toe-to-toe against McGregor.
Moving on to the more serious contenders to make the jump.