The biggest potential boxing/MMA crossover fights that could happen

As MMA continues to grow in popularity around the world, it seems only natural that more fighters will follow in the footsteps of Conor McGregor and head into the boxing ring in search of a dream win.

Although McGregor was unable to land a shock win, he did go 11 rounds with arguably the greatest fighter of his generation in Floyd Mayweather and opened the door for some of the UFC’s other stars to follow suit.

With the likes of Dillian Whyte threatening to make a move to the octagon, we look at some of the biggest boxing/MMA crossover fights that could happen soon.

Henry Cejudo vs Ryan Garcia

Former Olympic gold medallist and two-weight UFC world champion Henry Cejudo recently announced his retirement following a win against Dominick Cruz. In truth, it’s highly likely that ‘Triple-C’ will fight again, but it may not be in the octagon if you believe the man himself.

On a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Cejudo revealed that talks were ongoing with unbeaten lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia over a possible match-up.

He said: “If we do fight, it’ll probably be at 135lbs. I think McGregor’s done it with Mayweather and I think if Ryan wants to do it then we’ll do it.”

WBC silver lightweight champion Garcia hasn’t fought since retaining his belt against Francisco Fonseca back in February, but would surely be interested in fighting someone as renowned as Cejudo as he looks to raise his own international profile.

Dillian Whyte vs Francis Ngannou

While many have marvelled at Francis Ngannou’s brute power during his run in the UFC’s heavyweight ranks, some of the world’s best heavyweight boxers have suggested they could handle the Cameroonian inside a ring.

The latest on the list is former British champion Dillian Whyte, who has recently exchanged words with the former UFC heavyweight title contender.

Whyte said in an interview: “Obviously Francis believes he has got the edge in MMA and I know I’ve got the edge in boxing so I was willing to step into his territory as long as he is willing to step into my territory, unlike a lot of these other guys. I’m just not scared. I’m ready anytime, anywhere.”

Whyte is by no means a stranger to MMA himself having already clocked up a professional win, knocking out Mark Stroud inside 15 seconds during a one-off appearance on Ultimate Challenge MMA back in 2008.

Whilst Ngannou’s experience thus far has been limited to the octagon, he trained as a boxer in his younger days and with his frightening knockout power, he’d likely have no qualms stepping inside the ropes with any of the current crop of heavyweights.

Tyson Fury vs Stipe Miocic

As one of the biggest draws in boxing at the minute, lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will certainly not be short of potential opponents. Before his rematch with Deontay Wilder, Fury ventured into WWE, taking on Braun Strowman at their Crown Jewel Event and has said multiple times he’d be open to taking on a UFC opponent.

Current UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has talked previously about his interest in taking on Fury in a boxing match, but may have to wait until his trilogy fight with the legendary Daniel Cormier is complete first.

Fury was as brash as ever when asked about the potential of stepping into the ring with Miocic, saying: “I’m open to that fight, so he should come and see me. It would be the same outcome for any of them. They’ll all get smashed.”

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Jorge Masvidal

As two of the outstanding stars of combat sports in 2019, seeing Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez face off with Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal would be a dream occasion for fight fans all around the world.

Canelo, now a four-weight world champion, has left a heap of challengers in his wake on the way to becoming one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time and could well be tempted by a big-money clash with Masvidal.

Masvidal is known as ‘Gamebred’ for a reason. After making his name on the street fighting circuit alongside Kimbo Slice, he is not intimidated by any opponent, even one as established as ‘Canelo’. Following his win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244, Masvidal called out the Mexican.

When asked if he would consider the bout, Canelo simply said: “For business, why not?!”

Check out all the latest boxing betting odds at William Hill