MMA Fighters Who Successfully Transitioned into Boxing

MMA is a relatively new sport, as well-known and loved sports go. New sports pop up every day all over the world, but most of them don’t make it into the spotlight in the way mixed martial arts has, and few have such powerful longevity. Who knew that this combination of fighting styles first used in Japan in 1985 would go on to become a world-recognized sport with billions of fans in most countries on the planet! MMA fighting style really took off on a global scale when the UFC had its first Fight Night in 1993. The world of professional fighting hasn’t been the same since. 

The sport has been a platform for many young hopefuls to test their skills and make a name for themselves, but it has also been a springboard into other careers: particularly boxing. A number of well-known MMA fighters have chosen to transition fully from MMA to boxing, and many have done so reasonably successfully. Some fall by the wayside after one fight, lacking the staying power to make it in this well-established spot, but others flourish in their new environment. Let’s take a look at five MMA fighters who are making a name for themselves in the world of professional boxing.

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Anderson Silva

Anderson “The Spider” Silva has been one of the greatest names in MMA for a long time. He currently holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history, having held his title for 2,457 days. Silva made his pro boxing debut only one year after he made his MMA one, in 1998. This fight against Osmar Luiz Texeira was harrowing and ended in a corner stoppage. After that, Silva did not step back into a professional boxing ring until 2005, when he faced off against Julio Cesar de Jesus. This time, Silva scored a KO win, and that was enough for the Brazilian fighter for the time being. Since he was released from UFC, he’s returned to his old stomping grounds: the boxing ring.

Conor McGregor

When Conor McGregor took a break from MMA in 2017, many wondered if he would ever return to the cage full-time. During this break, the double champ decided to try his hand at boxing and didn’t waste time with small-fry opponents; he went straight for Floyd Mayweather. McGregor lost to the boxing titan in spectacular fashion, but that doesn’t mean he’s given up hope. McGregor intends to try his hands at boxing more in the future, having said that he wants to take on Manny Pacquiao. While this fight has yet to materialize, there’s a good chance it will happen at some point, as the same firm manages both fighters. McGregor did train as a boxer at a young age, so it’s not surprising that he’s taking his chance to go back to his roots.

Fabio Maldonado

Maldonado is another MMA fighter who was both boxing and MMA fighting at the same time. He stepped into MMA in 2000 and his boxing career in 2002. He fought exclusively in Brazil for a time and made his way to North American MMA in 2008. Maldonado has enjoyed success in both arenas and a stellar 26-4 record in boxing. When he was released by the MMA in 2015, he went straight back to boxing and won his first fight with a TKO in less than thirty seconds and with just one punch.

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Michael Page

Venom Page, as he is known professionally, started as a kickboxer before transitioning to MMA due to what he felt was a lack of exposure. In 2012 he made his MMA debut and won a knockout victory by tornado kick which drew comparisons to the technique and power of Anderson Silva. In 2017, Page began boxing as a full-time professional career with a 15-fight contract. He has also done boxing commentary.

Kevin Ferguson

Kevin Ferguson, better known as Kimbo Slice, has been labeled by Rolling Stone as “The King of Web Brawlers” because of his infamous history with underground fights. He joined the professional MMA scene in 2007, after which he moved on to a fight TV show called The Ultimate Fighter in 2009. His MMA career was short-lived, and he moved on to boxing in 2010. His professional debut took place in 2011 with a knockout win against James Wade within the first ten seconds of the fight. He ended his pro boxing career undefeated.

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Wrap Up

These MMA fighters turned boxers, or in some cases, boxers turned MMA fighters, certainly are talented fighters. We can’t wait to see what paths their careers take in 2023.