5 UFC stars who should consider switching to boxing

Boxing has been labelled as somewhat of a dying sport lately, especially when compared to the rise of the UFC. However, the sport continues to produce big pay-per-view events despite its apparent shortcomings.

This is in part due to promotions such as Triller and Showtime putting on events in which athletes and celebrities from outside the world of boxing step into the ring. The most notable current examples are of course the Paul brothers, who have had remarkable success since transitioning from YouTube to boxing.

A slightly older example is that of former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, who faced off against Floyd Mayweather in 2016. The event was immensely successful, resulting in both McGregor and Mayweather being paid millions.

There are, of course, legitimate boxing stars who can still turn the needle, with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder's recent trilogy fight testimony to this. However, if there are any UFC fighters who have aspirations of one day crossing over to boxing from MMA, now is the perfect time.

In the following list, we break down five UFC fighters who should potentially consider switching to boxing at some point in their careers. Honorable mentions go to Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway and Stipe Miocic.

#5. Rose Namajunas - UFC strawweight

The number five pick goes to the current UFC strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas. A long-time pupil of one of the best coaches in the game, Trevor Wittman, Namajunas has some of the best striking in the entire UFC.

In the early days of her career, Namajunas was primarily known for her high level Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as a variety of taekwondo-based kicks. However, since training with Wittman, 'Thug Rose's boxing has come on exponentially.

Namajunas recently told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour that if the money was right, she would seriously consider a crossover to boxing.

She stated that:

“You know, I love boxing – I definitely [would box] if the money was there, you know, that would be cool. That’d be cool. We could try it out."

#4. Kamaru Usman - UFC welterweight

Similar to that of Namajunas, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman did not start his MMA career as a striker. He primarily utilized a wrestling-heavy approach, grinding out his opponents with relentless pressure.

However, as of late, Usman has fallen in love with his hands. This is entirely justified, as his last two fights have ended in brutal KOs against Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns.

Whilst Usman is currently preparing for a rematch with Colby Covington, he has hinted that a super fight against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez might be next for him. Speaking in a recent interview with The Schmo, Usman stated that:

"I might have to go drag Canelo out... when he's done with all these guys that he's running through. I mean, it's never been done. I might have to drag him into... if not in the octagon, I might have to drag him in the ring and actually take him. Cus' it's pound-for-pound, never been done. Pound-for-pound MMA fighter and pound-for-pound boxer. So, that might be next."

#3. Nate Diaz - UFC welterweight

Outside of the UFC champions and Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz may well be MMA's biggest draw. The iconic fighter from Stockton is known for his striking prowess, having gone toe-to-toe with the likes of McGregor, Anthony Pettis and Michael Johnson.

Diaz is still signed with the UFC, and it appears he is hoping for a matchup with Tony Ferguson or Vicente Luque next. However, it would not be surprising to see him make the move to boxing once his contract is played out.

He has already been called out by Jake Paul, and it is money fights like these that typically entice Diaz into competing. Speaking to BT Sport in the aftermath of the Fury/Wilder trilogy fight, Diaz stated:

"Yeah, I have always been wanting to box [but] I have been stuck inside the cage. We'll see what happens."

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#2. Jorge Masvidal - UFC welterweight

Former UFC title challenger Jorge Masvidal has long held a reputation for being one of the best boxers in the entire organization. He has a slightly less conventional background to many of his fellow athletes, initially building his name in bare-knuckle brawls alongside Kimbo Slice.

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For much of his early career, Masvidal was known as a crisp striker. He often dropped split decisions to opponents who either fought him with a wrestling-heavy style or utilized range and distance management to confound his attacks.

In 2018, Masvidal suddenly turned a corner in his striking. 'Gamebred' began knocking his opponents out, becoming a huge name in the process. He rode this wave of success to a title shot, in which he ultimately came up short.

However, he still retains huge name value, and has repeatedly reiterated his desire to venture into the world of boxing.

#1. Francis Ngannou - UFC heavyweight

The heavyweight division has always produced classic marque matchups in the sport of boxing. Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Deontay Wilder are all huge names that will consistently bring in huge crowds and pay-per-view buys every time they fight.

Following Fury's recent win over Wilder, he is considered by many to be the greatest current heavyweight boxer on the planet. With Usyk and Joshua currently contracted to face each other again in a rematch, who better to match 'The Gyspy King' with than the UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou?

Ngannou is one of the most physically imposing athletes in any sport. There was once a time when he relied almost solely on his natural athleticism and power to win him fights. However, after being taught a serious lesson at the hands of Stipe Miocic, Ngannou made some major changes.

He began working with Eric Nicksick, who helped him begin to add a variety of skills and techniques to pair with his natural gifts. Ngannou fought his way back to the top and knocked out Miocic in a statement rematch. Since then he has openly discussed a move to boxing in order to challenge Tyson Fury. 'The Gypsy King' appears to not be adverse to the idea.

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