Fuel continues to be added to the ongoing discussion of a hypothetical crossover matchup between MMA and boxing.
UFC President Dana White has persistently extended an invitation to heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury to step into the octagon, following UFC Vegas 74 last weekend. Fury’s potential transition to MMA would not be the first time a high-profile boxer has crossed over between sports. However, the outcomes of such endeavors have typically aligned with expectations, with the exception of rare instances like Ray Mercer’s nine-second knockout of Tim Sylvia in June 2009.
The current buzz in mid-2023 revolves around a potential clash between Fury and UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. Previous speculation had centered around a showdown between Fury and Francis Ngannou. While White initially dismissed the idea of “gimmick fights,” he is now making it abundantly clear that he would host the bout in his promotion. The presumed favorable outcome for Jones is driving the spectator fascination, with former champion-turned-analyst Michael Bisping sharing the same sentiment.
Expressing his excitement on his YouTube channel, Bisping said, “I am down to watch it. Come on, let’s go. Who doesn’t want to see that? Tyson Fury vs. Jon Jones in the octagon. Usyk should be Fury’s opponent, Stipe should be Jones’ opponent. But as a fan, I would love to see it. Fury’s a powerful man, hailing from a fighting family of gypsies known for their toughness. However, in a mixed martial arts contest inside the octagon without weapons, he doesn’t stand a chance. No way.”
The discussion of a potential Jones vs. Fury matchup comes at an intriguing time. Jones’ first UFC heavyweight title defense was initially scheduled for one month from now, in line with UFC 290 during International Fight Week on July 8. Unfortunately, no agreements have been reached, leaving Jones’ return uncertain.
Jones has been vocal about his preference to face Stipe Miocic next, showing significant interest only in Miocic apart from the newly developed idea involving Fury. The available options for challengers at heavyweight are no secret, although the feasibility of some matchups remains uncertain. Historical data suggests that high-profile spectacles, like the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor bout, generate substantial attention and revenue. This explains Bisping’s understanding of why the Fury vs. Jones idea is gaining traction in the combat sports community.
“Miocic would be a true test for Jon Jones in the heavyweight division. Jon moved up to heavyweight, fought Ciryl Gane, who, with all due respect, isn’t the most complete fighter,” Bisping commented. “Stylistically, there are tougher challenges for Jon Jones. I’m not insulting Gane, but Stipe Miocic has been the heavyweight king. He successfully defended the belt three times, is a tremendous wrestler, and was able to take down and prevent takedowns from D.C. (Daniel Cormier) most of the time. Of course, D.C. had some success, knocking him out in their first fight.”
Bisping believes that a matchup between Miocic and Jones would be more competitive and would provide an exciting stand-up battle. However, Bisping holds a different view when it comes to Fury, confidently stating, “But Tyson Fury will get absolutely smoked. I’d want to see it, and I guarantee that if Tyson Fury vs. Jon Jones in the UFC were to happen, you would buy the pay-per-view. It would be nothing short of ridiculous.”
In summary, the idea of a crossover matchup between Jon Jones and Tyson Fury in MMA has garnered significant attention. While Michael Bisping and other analysts believe Fury would have no chance against Jones, the potential for a lucrative pay-per-view event has captivated the interest of spectators. The timing of the matchup discussion coincides with uncertainty surrounding Jones’ next opponent, despite his preference for Stipe Miocic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about crossover matchup
Can Tyson Fury compete against Jon Jones in MMA?
According to Michael Bisping and other analysts, Fury doesn’t stand a chance against Jones in MMA. They believe that in an octagon with no weapons, Fury’s boxing skills wouldn’t be enough to overcome Jones’ mixed martial arts expertise.
Why is there so much interest in a crossover matchup between Fury and Jones?
The potential matchup between Fury and Jones generates significant interest due to its high-profile nature and the spectacle it would bring. Past crossover fights, such as Mayweather vs. McGregor, have proven to be lucrative and attention-grabbing, leading to anticipation for similar matchups in combat sports.
Is Jon Jones open to fighting Fury?
While Jones has expressed interest in facing Stipe Miocic as his next opponent, he has not outright dismissed the idea of fighting Fury. However, no official agreements or plans have been made for a potential matchup between Jones and Fury in the UFC.
Would a Fury vs. Jones fight be available on pay-per-view?
If a fight between Fury and Jones were to happen in the UFC, it is highly likely that it would be a pay-per-view event. The appeal of the matchup, coupled with the popularity of both fighters, would make it a highly sought-after and revenue-generating fight for the promotion.
More about crossover matchup
- Tyson Fury – BoxRec
- Jon Jones – UFC Fighter Profile
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor Fight – Wikipedia
- Stipe Miocic – UFC Fighter Profile
- UFC Pay-Per-View Events
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – Wikipedia
