Mayweather lands blow on McGregor (Photo: Reproduction Twitter Showtime)
This Saturday (28), in Saudi Arabia, Francis Ngannou will make his dream boxing debut. Over the weekend, the former UFC champion will share the ring with the world champion Tyson Fury, in a confrontation that promises to lift the spirits of MMA fans.
Featured at the event, Ngannou will follow in the footsteps of other Ultimate legends who have ventured into boxing challenges. To 'warm up the engines' for the confrontation, the team from SUPER FIGHTS remembers MMA icons who tested themselves in the 'noble art'.
1) Conor McGregor
F. Mayweather (left) fighting against C. McGregor (right) in 2017. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In 2017, Conor McGregor made combat sports history by promoting a superfight against the legendary Floyd Mayweather. Surrounded by expectation, the challenge stirred spirits and was a hit with the audience.
In the clash, the 'Notório' ended up being knocked out by the multi-time world champion. The athlete, however, earned millions of dollars for his participation.
2) Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva in boxing victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Considered by many to be the best MMA fighter of all time, Anderson Silva He began to dedicate himself to boxing presentations after leaving the UFC. Former middleweight champion in the company, 'Spider' has four commitments in the sport between 2021 and 2023.
Among the names faced by Silva are Julio César Chávez Jr., Tito Ortiz e Jake Paul. At 48 years old, the Brazilian remains willing to continue competing.
3) José Aldo
José Aldo (dir.) reaches Jeremy Stephens (left) at Boxe das Estrelas. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Since his retirement from professional MMA, José Aldo He began to dedicate himself to his dream of performing in boxing. Away from mixed martial arts since mid-2022, Manauara has accumulated three challenges in the 'noble art'.
Between 2022 and 2023, the Ultimate legend beat Emmanuel Zambrano, Esteban Espíndola and drew with Jeremy Stephens.
4) Vitor Belfort
Vitor belfort (left) in a boxing match against Ronaldo Jacare (dir.). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
One of those responsible for the dissemination of MMA in the 1990s and 2000s, Vitor belfort is another MMA star who, today, dedicates himself to boxing appearances. A veteran of combat sports, the Brazilian has accumulated two challenges in the sport, since his last performance in mixed martial arts, in 2018.
In the 'noble art', the 'Phenomenon' collects positive results against Evander Holyfield and Ronaldo Jacare.
5) Nate Diaz
Popularity phenomenon during UFC times, Nate diaz He is a beginner when it comes to boxing tests. After the end of his contract with Ultimate at the end of 2022, the fighter took on the challenge of venturing into the new modality.
In the current season, the 'bad boy' shared the ring with Jake Paul. The veteran, however, ended up having his debut frustrated and was surpassed by the digital influencer in the judges' decision.
6) Tito Ortiz
T. Ortiz (left) was knocked out by A. Silva in the first round. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
MMA icon, Tito Ortiz he also added commitments in boxing. The former UFC champion, however, had a disappointing performance in the challenge against Anderson Silva.
Victim of 'Spider's' talent, the veteran ended up being erased by the Brazilian in the first round of the clash. Since then, Ortiz has not returned to competition.
7) Tyron Woodley
J. Paul knocked out former UFC champion T. Woodley (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)
Reference in welterweights in MMA, Tyron woodley is another name that chose to abandon MMA and tried to put on other gloves. The former UFC champion, however, was surpassed in both tests against Jake Paul.
In the first meeting with the YouTuber, Woodley delivered a balanced challenge. In the rematch, however, the former Ultimate star ended up brutalized by the digital influencer.
7) Ben Askren
J. Paul (left) ran over B. Askren (right) in a boxing superfight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @triller
Former Bellator and ONE Championship champion, Ben Askren also disappointed in boxing. After announcing his retirement from MMA, after a lackluster stint in the UFC, the North American agreed to face Jake Paul.
Experience in martial arts, however, did not help the veteran in the ring. Against the YouTuber, Askren ended up being heavily knocked out by his rival.
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