'Boxing of Legends' warm-up: remember MMA fighters who tested themselves in the 'noble art' against former world champions

F. Mayweather Jr. (left) and C. McGregor (right) faced each other in 2017. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook Floyd Mayweather

This Saturday (1), the 'Boxing of Legends'. Starring Anthony Pettis, Gamebred Boxing 4 features the former UFC icon facing 'noble art' multi-time world champion, Roy Jones Jr. Over the weekend, 'showtime' will follow a path already followed by names like Anderson Silva e Conor McGregor.

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To warm up the engines, the team at SUPER FIGHTS brought together a list of MMA representatives who have already tested themselves in boxing against former world champions. Remember some names below:

Anderson Silva x Julio César Chávez Jr. (2021)

Considered by many to be the best MMA fighter of all time, Anderson Silva He never hid his dream of testing himself in boxing. In 2021, months after leaving the UFC and hanging up his gloves in mixed martial arts, 'Spider' took to the ring for a great test of fire.

At 46 years old, the Brazilian took to the ring to face the former middleweight and super middleweight world champion, Julio César Cháves Jr. Son of the legendary Julio César Chávez, the original boxer had a tough challenge against the Tupiniquim.

After eight rounds marked by balance, Anderson shocked the world by winning a split decision from the judges.

Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather (2017)

The year was 2017 and Conor McGregor had already emerged as the most popular MMA fighter in the history of the sport. A UFC phenomenon with two belts in different categories, the Irishman caught the attention of Floyd Mayweather, multiple world champion and undefeated in the sport.

Considered one of the biggest audience successes in the history of combat sports, the confrontation took place at the renowned 'T-Mobile Arena', in Las Vegas (USA). Surrounded by expectation, the fight had 10 rounds contested.

Willing to put on a show, Mayweather used his experience to spend as much time as possible with McGregor in the ring. The American, however, achieved victory via technical knockout, after attacking the Irishman with a fatal sequence of blows and forcing the referee to stop.

Vitor Belfort x Evander Holyfield (2021)

Another highlight of theBoxing of Legends' it will be Vitor belfort, which is also included in this list. Former UFC champion and a reference in MMA, the Brazilian has a clash against Evander Holyfield, former heavyweight champion in the 'noble art'.

A living boxing legend, Holyfield accepted the challenge of facing Belfort after the 'Phenomenon's' initial opponent, Oscar De la Hoya – also a former world champion – was diagnosed with Covid-19. Close to 60 years old, Evander had no chance.

Victim of the aggression of a fierce and younger opponent, the biggest rival in his career Mike Tyson fell in the opening seconds. Although he showed his old courage, the boxing veteran ended up defeated in the first round by technical knockout.

Frank Mir x Steve Cunningham (2021)

Former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), Frank mir He also had his test against a professional boxer. In 2021, at the event hosted by Jake Paul e Ben askren, the veteran faced Steve Cunningham, former IBF (International Boxing Federation) cruiserweight belt holder.

After six disputed rounds, better for Cunningham. In the unanimous decision, the former Ultimate standout was defeated.