Five UFC Fighters That Could Be Boxers

There is no doubt that some of the best MMA and UFC fighters over the years have used incredible boxing skills and talents to reach the top of the sport. But the boxing world has sometimes looked down on the UFC as a technically inferior version of the fight game. UFC betting online is big business though – and boxing promoters know that.

It would take some intense training for any current UFC fighter to challenge for world titles in the boxing ring, but there are some of the top names in the sport that we think could give it a go. Here are five MMA fighters who might be able to trade the octagon for the ring.

Jorge Masvidal

This Miami-born welterweight was well known as a street fighter as a youth and actually fought in one boxing bout before taking MMA by storm. Although Masvidal would have to curb his natural slugging style and resist the urge to trade blows if he was to become a serious boxer, his talents could easily cross over.

Masvidal was apparently very interested in taking on Canelo a few years ago but nothing could ever be agreed between the two fighters. His power and strength would be ideal in a boxing ring and he also has one of the most devastating jabs in UFC.

Anderson Silva

Although Silva is regarded as one of the best Thai boxing fighters of all time – and holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history – he is also one MMA fighter that has already successfully translated his skills to the boxing ring. After a glittering UFC career, Silva seamlessly moved into the boxing world.

Silva had already appeared in two boxing fights before concentrating on MMA. But he returned in 2021 to take on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., son of the boxing legend. He won that and followed it up with another victory over Tito Ortiz. His current professional boxing record is three wins from four fights – including two by way of knockout.

Conor McGregor

Now for one of the highest profile MMA fighters, whose career has already included a huge fight against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. and has previously used his huge popularity to draw the biggest pay-per-view numbers in both formats. The Irish fighter had trained as a boxer as a youth and feels as comfortable in either type of ring.

It was McGregor’s raw power that made the fight against Mayweather Jr. possible, guaranteeing him at least $30 million for the bout. In the end, he was able to go a full 10 rounds with the boxing legend and only lost on a TKO. A proposed rematch never materialized but his performance definitely proved his critics wrong.

Stipe Miocic

Regarded by many as the greatest UFC heavyweight fighter of all time, Miocic was previously a Golden Gloves boxing champion as well as a wrestler in college. He has made his name in UFC though, recording the most title wins in the UFC heavyweight division, as well as having the longest title-defending streak in history.

His knockout power and height would give him a distinct advantage as a boxer and although he has never fought in the ring professionally, it would not be a surprise if he ultimately ended up there if he was given the right opportunity.

Francis Ngannou

This Cameroonian fighter is one of the most ferocious in the heavyweight division and his unwillingness to sign a new contract with UFC has led to many commentators speculating on the possibility of him switching to boxing. There is no doubt his punching power would be a huge draw – and he has already acquired some very famous fans.

Tyson Fury has repeatedly stated that he would love the chance to put Ngannou’s skills to the test. Fury is the current main man in the boxing heavyweight division and has shown he can mix it with the best. Ngannou is the best in UFC at the moment and a fight between the two would surely break all box office records.