Boxers Who Fought in MMA

In the history of boxing and MMA, there have been many boxers who have crossed over into MMA. Top boxers, who wanted to test their skills and see if they could hang in other combat sports.

Here is our list of five of the most notable boxers who fought in MMA and check out other MMA fights odds for MMA fights next time one of these fighters compete. Let’s check out the list of boxers below and see how they fared in MMA.

Holly Holm

Out of all of the boxers who fought in MMA, there was no other more successful than Holly Holm. Holly was the first ever combat sport athlete in history to win world titles in both boxing and MMA.

Before Holly got into MMA, she was one of the best boxers in the world. “The Preacher’s Daughter” won numerous world titles in multiple divisions.

Then after accomplishing everything in boxing, Holm went into MMA and shocked the world. Knocking out Ronda Rousey to win the UFC title.

You can bet on Holly’s next fight James Toney

James Toney is another one of the most notable boxers who fought in MMA. For almost two years, Toney went to UFC events around the world telling Dana he wanted to fight.

The former world champion finally got his wish and Dana gave him a fight. Toney was matched up with MMA legend Randy Couture at UFC 118.

This fight went as you expected as Couture immediately took down Toney and submitted him in the first round. At least James got a nice payday out of the fight.

Ray Mercer 

Ray Mercer is one of the most well known boxers who fought in MMA. The former world champion initially made his MMA debut in an exhibition against Kimbo Slice in 2007.

He lost by guillotine choke in the first round, but made his pro debut two years later against Tim Sylvia. After Sylvia broke the agreement not to use leg kicks, Mercer knocked out the former champion in nine seconds. Ending his long fighting career with an impressive knockout win.

Marcus Davis

Marcus Davis was a well known UFC veteran who fought in the organization for many years. “The Irish Hand Grenade” is also one of the most known boxers who fought in MMA.

Before Davis went into MMA full-time, he was a professional boxer. He racked up an impressive 17-1-2 pro boxing record before leaving boxing in 2000 to get into MMA. Marcus then went on to have a good career in MMA and fought in the UFC for many years.

Eric “Butterbean” Esch

Last up on our list of boxers who fought in MMA is Eric “Butterbean” Esch. During the 1990s, Butterbean became a fan favorite and one of the biggest draws in the sport. 

He never backed down from a fight and that included crossover fights into other combat sports. Esch fought in every big MMA promotion from Pride, K-1, Cage Rage, and Rumble on the Rock.

To go along with his 77-10-4 pro boxing record, Butterbean had a 17-10-1 pro MMA record.