Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder expresses his interest in testing himself in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and joining the UFC. Wilder discusses his ambition to compete in both boxing and MMA, citing the slower pace of his boxing career as a motivation. He acknowledges the potential financial differences and highlights the UFC’s reputation for pitting the best fighters against each other. Wilder’s upcoming fight against Joseph Parker is also mentioned.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Deontay Wilder’s Ambition | Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder expresses his interest in entering the world of MMA and joining the UFC. He aims to compete in both boxing and MMA, driven by the slower pace of his boxing career. |
| Ngannou vs. Fury | The recent crossover fight between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury sparks discussions about potential matchups across combat sports. Although Ngannou loses a close split decision, his performance impresses many. |
| Wilder’s UFC Aspirations | Wilder reaches out to Ngannou to explore the possibility of working together and expresses his desire to join the UFC. He admires the UFC’s reputation for pitting the best fighters against each other. |
| Wilder’s Upcoming Fight | Wilder is scheduled to face Joseph Parker on December 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He aims to make a statement in this fight and continue his journey towards achieving greatness in both boxing and MMA. |
Deontay Wilder’s Ambition to Enter the World of MMA
Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has recently shown a serious interest in testing himself in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Wilder, who hails from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has expressed a desire to fight former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, not just in a boxing match, but in an MMA bout. This idea gained traction after Ngannou’s impressive performance against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in their recent crossover fight. Although Ngannou lost a close split decision, his showing has sparked discussions about potential matchups across combat sports.
Wilder has gone as far as reaching out to Ngannou to explore the possibility of working together. In a recent interview, Wilder reiterated his intention to not only compete in MMA but also join the UFC, the largest MMA organization in the world. He expressed his eagerness to cross over and participate in both boxing and MMA, citing the slower pace of his boxing career as a motivation for exploring new avenues.
The allure of the UFC lies in its reputation for pitting the best fighters against each other, a quality Wilder admires. He credits UFC President Dana White for creating an environment where the best fighters face off, regardless of records or promotional politics. Wilder acknowledges that transitioning to the UFC may mean accepting smaller purses compared to his boxing career, as top boxers generally earn more than top UFC fighters. However, he values the opportunity to compete against the best and is willing to make the necessary adjustments.
Wilder’s ambition extends to becoming a heavyweight champion in both boxing and the UFC. He believes he has several years left in his career and wants to make the most of it. While his immediate focus is on his upcoming fight against Joseph Parker, Wilder is determined to explore all possibilities and benefit from the best of both worlds.
Wilder’s Upcoming Fight
Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) is scheduled to return to the ring on December 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will face former titlist Joseph Parker. The event will also feature another highly anticipated bout between former titlist Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin. Wilder aims to make a statement in this fight and continue his journey towards achieving greatness in both boxing and MMA.
Author: Sean Nam
