Mike Tyson’s boxing exploits stay legendary on this planet of fight sports activities.
However is there an alternate universe the place his success got here contained in the UFC octagon?
Throughout a latest interview with Arduous Rock Guess, Tyson was requested an intriguing hypothetical: Had he been in his prime within the present preventing panorama, would a main “Iron Mike” have thought of competing in MMA as a substitute of boxing? We’ll by no means know and it doesn’t sound just like the 59-year-old Tyson is all that interested in what may need occurred.
“No, I don’t assume that,” Tyson mentioned. “Pay attention, the most important UFC—5 of the most important UFC fighters mixed couldn’t match my pay.”
Within the ‘80s and ‘90s, when Tyson was racking up knockout after knockout and stringing collectively a variety of memorable heavyweight title defenses, there was arguably no greater star in fight sports activities. Tyson’s fame translated into main greenback indicators as he made $10-30 million per combat and it’s extensively reported he revamped $100 million for a blockbuster matchup with Lennox Lewis in 2002. He was price a fortune and that’s earlier than taking into consideration the quite a few high-profile endorsement and licensing offers connected to his title.
Outdoors of possibly Conor McGregor, it’s unlikely any UFC fighter has ever cashed checks as massive as Tyson’s on a constant foundation, and the present crop of UFC stars are undoubtedly making much less in purse cash than boxing stars like Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury.
So understanding his worth, Tyson believes negotiating with the UFC would by no means have occurred.
“I need to be the most important fighter, the most important purse, I need all that stuff,” Tyson mentioned. “Mike Tyson fights, he shuts every little thing down.”
Penalties. Raja Jackson going through as much as seven years in jail if convicted in brutal assault of professional wrestler.
Worrying. Frankie Edgar didn’t combat at BKFC (thank goodness) however no less than he obtained paid?
Weight. Yana Santos claims she didn’t actually have a option to combat or not at UFC 320, regardless of opponent Macy Chiasson lacking weight.
House. Alex Pereira took a visit to the previous tire store and devoted to his buddy Magomed Ankalaev.
Future. Karate Fight’s latest marquee signing? Former UFC middleweight contender Uriah Corridor.
Relaxation. Justin Tafa is stepping away from competitors following his UFC launch.
A particular Q&A episode of Between the Hyperlinks with The Finest Associates Mike Heck and Alexander Ok. Lee.
MMA Preventing’s Guilherme Cruz sits down with former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
MMA Preventing’s Damon Martin talks to David Feldman following BKFC 82.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Associates don’t stab associates.
Muhammad Mokaev (15-0, 1 NC) vs. Gerard Burns (7-1); Courageous CF 100, Nov. 7
Malcolm Wellmaker (10-0) vs. Serhey Sidey (12-2); UFC 322, Nov. 15
Mike Tyson handled Don King, so it’s not as if he didn’t find yourself having expertise with shady promoters, however for some purpose the considered a younger Tyson butting heads with Dana White over scraps of pay-per-view income makes me chuckle.
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