When rumors started flying recently that top boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. was considering a transition to MMA, the response was varied.
Some laughed off the notion as more hype from Mayweather, who is known for saying things without going through the entire process of thinking about them first.
Others were instantly excited by the idea, perhaps proving what a draw he might provide.
It’s an interesting question, either way. Would the man who criticized MMA fighters as guys who “can’t handle boxing,” really be willing to step out of his comfort zone and into the entirely different world of MMA?
We put this exact question to some of the IFL’s top fighters, and their answers were somewhat surprising (watch video). Naturally, some echoed the MMA backlash that came as a result of Mayweather’s earlier remarks.
“I don’t he’ll fight in MMA because I think he’ll get his a— kicked,” said IFL welterweight champ Jay Hieron. “He’s a great boxer, he’s great at what he does, but mixed martial arts is a totally different league, a totally different level.”
MMA legend Ken Shamrock, however, insisted that MMA fans and fighters who wanted to see Mayweather thrown to the wolves to prove their sport’s superiority were taking a short-sighted view.
“We’re missing the boat on this,” said Shamrock. “Everybody’s missing the boat on this. They’re going, ‘Yeah, we’ll put him against our top guy.’ Well, we know he’s not going to survive. He’s going to get killed, so therefore he’ll never fight. It’s never going to happen.”
The better position, insisted Shamrock, is to embrace Mayweather’s name value and international recognition as a reason to bring him along slowly in the sport. Famed MMA trainer Pat Miletich echoed that sentiment, though acknowledged that the champion boxer would need to fill out his repertoire.
Others, however, were less concerned for Mayweather’s personal welfare and more concerned with what he could do for fighter salaries.
“I think if Floyd Mayweather came to MMA, everyone in MMA is going to have to start paying a lot more,” said IFL heavyweight champ Roy Nelson.
There’s little doubt that Mayweather is one of the most dominant fighters in the modern era of boxing, but success in one sport does not necessarily guarantee success in a related one. While Mark Cuban insists that it’s only a matter of a guaranteed payday big enough to get Mayweather to trade in his boxing gloves for MMA ones, most experts remain skeptical.
If he ever does decide to make the leap, however, there will be no shortage of opponents eager to take a crack at him. IFL lightweight champion Ryan Schultz made that much very clear.
“I’d fight Floyd Mayweather today,” said the Team Quest fighter.
It’s probably not likely to happen any time soon, but no one can say the door isn’t wide open.
