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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.
#4 Anthony Joshua vs Stipe Miocic
This massive crossover fight almost saw the light of the day last year when Stipe Miocic was the undisputed king of the UFC Heavyweight division.
The baddest man on the planet had called out the prodigal boxing icon when reports of Zuffa's interest in promoting Joshua cropped up. Dana White and his team were willing to offer the heavyweight boxing champion a multi-fight UFC deal to the tune of $500 Million. Joshua has, in the past, mentioned his desire to take on the most explosive UFC fighters such as Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, however, he also added that he would rather stick to his current promoter Eddie Hearn and focus on building on his impressive boxing resume.
Joshua, though, said that he was always open for talks regarding potentially boxing under the Zuffa Boxing banner in the United States. It should be noted that the Olympic Gold Medalist has never fought outside UK and has been looking for the right opportunity to break into foreign territory.
Whether Joshua opts for a boxing match under Zuffa Boxing or plans on getting his hands dirty in an all-out MMA fight, Miocic would make for a great opponent despite his stock taking a hit after his loss to Daniel Cormier. Miocic is a former Golden Gloves Champion and could give Joshua a run for his money in a boxing encounter. However, the fans would love to see the 6 ft 6 in undefeated boxer in an MMA contest inside the Octagon.
#3 Vasyl Lomachenko vs TJ Dillashaw
Lomachenko is an absolute beast of a boxer. The three-weight champion has only 12 professional fights to his name apart from an outrageous amateur record of 396 wins and a solitary loss. He is rightfully called the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world currently active across any weight class.
Speaking of TJ, the UFC Bantamweight Champion is one of the most inventive strikers in MMA today and has proven time and again why he is already one of the all-time greats amongst the lower weight divisions. Albeit a loss to Dominick Cruz, Dillashaw's career has just gotten better ever since he ended the 9-year dominance of Renan Barao. What makes Dillashaw special is his willingness to learn and especially from the best.
A video of TJ sparring with Lomachenko predictably went viral on the interwebs and it has sprung up a host of interesting possibilities that could transpire.
The double Olympic Gold Medalist is an incredible athlete and has the ability to transition to MMA. And if the Ukranian does decide to do so, TJ could be the best possible dance partner. McGregor too, maybe?
#2 Clarresa Shields vs Cris Cyborg
This is similar to Loma and TJ's story. Both Shields and Cyborg have sparred together and have nothing but admiration for their respective achievements and skill sets.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist had high praise for the Brazilian and felt that she could be a beast if she solely focuses on a boxing career. Cyborg herself has done it all - Jui Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, but has not been a pure boxing practitioner, something that she finds extremely alluring.
However, we would love to see Shields make the transition to MMA and go up against the most dominant female fighters in MMA history. The 23-year-old Shields has said that she has no desire to pursue MMA and we get that, she is only eight matches into her professional career. If not now, we could possibly see the middleweight boxing champion inside the UFC Octagon in sometime in the future. Cyborg or Nunes, who should Shields face?
#1 Deontay Wilder vs Jon Jones
It seems UFC is out of credible fighters who can take Jon Jones down. The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion may have an asterisk on his resume, but his in-fight IQ and overall repertoire are on a different level in comparison to his peers. Anthony Johnson was billed to be the only fighter who could have nullified Jones' reach advantage with his goldy punching power.
Johnson has retired and Jones is still atop the Light Heavyweight division.
No problem, get in the Bronze Bomber and pit him against Bones! Deontay Wilder has previously called out Stipe Miocic and Brock Lesnar for possible MMA fights, which also sound good, but Jones!
At 6 ft 7 in, Wilder is built like a tank who has legit one-punch knockout power. He has 19 first-round knockouts and one his day can carve out a hole in anyone's face. Wilder vs. Jones is a monstrous clash between two freakish undefeated athletes. Lock them in a cage Dana White and it would be raining money.
