3 intriguing MMA vs. boxing matchups besides McGregor-Mayweather
It feels like the moment mixed martial arts began to gain any mainstream recognition, boxing traditionalists stepped forward to question how these cage fighting barbarians would fare in a more civilized contest.
Look no further than the constant Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor rumors to see how fascinated fans are to witness this theoretical style clash become a reality.
With those talks persisting, and Roy Jones Jr. and Anderson Silva looking to get a piece of that action, here are three more MMA fighters that could try their hands at boxing and who they might pair up with should the floodgates completely open.
Jose Aldo vs. Canelo Alvarez
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Alvarez and manager Oscar De La Hoya take a lot of flack for their matchmaking decisions, so what better way to boost the Mexican star's image than to have him defend the good name of boxing against one of MMA's most respected strikers?
During a public spat with the UFC last year, Aldo mentioned he would like to pursue a boxing career should he be able to get out of his contract. He's previously talked about moving up to 155 pounds in the Octagon, so it's not a stretch to see him doing the same should a bout with Canelo come along.
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It's also not a stretch to say Aldo could be a promising pugilist due to his gorgeous footwork, head movement, and combinations. He's probably nowhere near Canelo's level as a boxer, but should this fight happen a few years down the road, there could be a hint of upset potential at the very least.
Holly Holm vs. Cecilia Braekhus
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OK, this one is a cheat.
Holm was an all-time great boxer before anyone had even heard of Ronda Rousey and had she not made the move to MMA, she would have already fought current undisputed female welterweight champion Braekhus. The Norwegian actually owns a pair of titles Holm vacated, but the two could never get on the same page for a match despite interest from both camps.
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Now that Holm is on a career-worst three-fight skid in the UFC, she might have to go back to her roots if she hopes to keep booking big-money matchups.
Braekhus is 29-0 and has also mentioned wanting to fight Cris Cyborg. Considering the complications that seem to follow any potential Cyborg matchup, a bout with Holm could ultimately prove more satisfying for Braekhus, Holm, and fans who have been waiting to see these two throw down.
Cody Garbrandt vs. Vasyl Lomachenko
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This one has undercard show-stealer written all over it.
While neither Garbrandt nor Lomachenko are household names, they're highly respected by the hardcore set. At UFC 207, the 25-year-old Garbrandt put on a virtuoso five-round performance against longtime bantamweight king Dominick Cruz to capture UFC gold.
In that fight, Garbrandt showed a unique mixture of technique, power, and style, going as far as to break out some pop-and-lock dance moves while outpointing his more experienced foe.
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Those antics won't do much to get in the head of Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who has established himself as the top dog at 130 pounds with just eight pro fights under his belt. Lomachenko is also believed to have fought almost 400 times as an amateur with only one defeat, so it's hard to imagine Garbrandt throwing anything at him he hasn't seen before.
Garbrandt-Lomachenko would be 12 rounds of perpetual motion, and would go a long way toward proving whether an advanced MMA striker has any business getting into the ring with an elite boxer.