MMA Stars Who Have Crossed Over To Boxing
It’s fair to say that for a long while, MMA stars stuck to MMA, and boxers did the same. However, in more recent times, we have started to see fighters from the MMA world decide to try their hand at boxing, and they’ve been largely well-received for the most part.
Conor McGregor
Arguably the most prominent example of an MMA star who has crossed over into professional boxing is, of course, Dublin’s Conor McGregor. In 2017, the UFC’s most prominent asset decided to go head to head in the boxing ring against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. With both McGregor and Mayweather massive PPV draws, it made a lot of sense for the duo to face off.
According to multiple reports, it proved to be one of the richest bouts in boxing history. Notorious Conor McGregor held his own for the most part, but Mayweather never looked in any trouble, stopping the MMA icon in the tenth round.
Ben Askren
Ben Askren is undoubtedly an MMA legend. How many other stars have remained undefeated for over a decade? We can’t think of many. Askren, who made his name in Bellator and ONE, moved to the UFC in 2018 and beat former Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler on his debut.
In late 2019, Askren called time on his MMA career, but a couple of years later, in 2021, he decided to enter the professional boxing arena to fight YouTuber Jake Paul, who himself was attempting to launch a successful career in the ring. Unfortunately for Askren, Paul knocked him out in the first round.
Tyron Woodley
Sticking with the UFC Welterweight trend, it’s another icon of the MMA world who appears on our list. Tyron Woodley successfully defended his Welterweight crown four times in the UFC, defeating the likes of Demian Maia and Darren Till. However, after four successive reverses, losing his title to Kamaru Usman in the process, Woodley exited the UFC.
But, akin to what we saw with Ben Askren, Jake Paul came knocking, not once but twice. Woodley, who turned professional in boxing to face Paul, lost by a split decision in their first bout. And, after Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy withdrew from a fight with the Problem Child, Woodley stepped in to avenge his loss. However, this time Paul got the job done in the sixth via knockout.
While the MMA stars we have listed haven’t necessarily come out on top when transitioning into boxing, one thing is for sure, they have made a lot of money and brought fresh eyes to both sports. You could suggest it’s a testament to how far these cross overs have come when you see they’re included in most reputable sports betting services, as combat sports. All eyes will be on now to see which MMA and potentially UFC fighter will be next to step into the squared circle and how well they fair.
