Tyson Fury has long floated the idea of competing in MMA despite dominating boxing's heavyweight division. The British star has trained with MMA fighters, including UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Darren Till . Fury has now offered a blunt assessment, revealing that grappling is the aspect of MMA he cannot relate to.
Over the past decade, wrestling and grappling have become increasingly prominent in the UFC. Khabib Nurmagomedov's lightweight dominance helped establish the style as a major force. His career paved the way for successful Caucasus fighters, including Islam Makhachev, Merab Dvalishvili and Khamzat Chimaev.
Fury has boxed since age 10 and brings nearly three decades of experience in the sport. He has spent his career fighting on the feet, using his size, reach, movement and jab to control opponents. With his experience rooted in stand-up boxing, Fury recently explained why wrestling and grappling are not aspects of MMA he understands.
I don't know anything about MMA. I only find MMA exciting when they stand up and punch each other in the face. When they are on the floor wrestling, it's no good to me. I don't like it.
Tyson Fury via ALF GlobalThis was not the first time Fury has spoken dismissively about MMA wrestling and grappling. The British boxer was linked to a potential superfight with UFC legend Jon Jones in 2023.
Fury initially called for a showdown with Jones, but later made clear he wanted boxing rules, saying he 'did not want to roll around on the floor'.
The Brit has also faced former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in a major crossover boxing bout. Fury won by split decision in October 2023 after Ngannou scored a third-round knockdown.
The controversial decision highlighted how competitive the fight was despite Fury's significantly greater boxing experience.
Fury's recent comments revisit the longstanding debate between boxing and MMA, with Terence Crawford remaining a prominent figure.
The undefeated boxer has clashed with former champion Ilia Topuria across social media. 'Bud' also called outJoaquin Buckley over his belief that MMA fighters would dominate boxers in a street fight.
Recent UFC title fights have featured significant grappling exchanges. Islam Makhachev relied heavily on wrestling and control against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, securing a unanimous decision victory. At UFC 326, Charles Oliveiraused his grappling against Max Holloway to win the BMF title by unanimous decision.
Tyson Fury's future remains uncertain as contractual issues continue delaying his proposed superfight with Anthony Joshua. The main dispute concerns the venue, with New York emerging as the preferred option. Negotiations are set to be resolved by early September, while 'The Gypsy King' remains prepared to fight in November regardless.
Boxing and MMA have long featured a major pay gap, with Terence Crawford frequently highlighting boxing's financial advantages. The Nebraska legend has criticized UFC CEO Dana White over fighter compensation and the UFC's pay structure. White, however, has remained adamant in defending how UFC fighters are compensated.
Several UFC fighters have explored boxing opportunities, with Tom Aspinall among those linked to a potential crossover. His father, Andy Aspinall, has previously discussed boxing as a more lucrative opportunity for his son. Ilia Topuria has also floated the idea of making his boxing debut after building a successful MMA career.
Tyson Fury has become one of boxing's biggest stars, earning major purses throughout his heavyweight career. Forbes estimated his 2024 earnings at $146 million, ranking him third among the world's highest-paid athletes. With such star power, Fury recently explained why popular MMA fighters should be welcomed into boxing.
If they're popular and famous, then they can cross over into any other combat sport because it's about popularity today, how many tickets they can sell, how many views they can generate. I think it's good for both sports.
Tyson Fury via ALF GlobalTyson Fury's formula has worked through major boxing and MMA crossovers, creating lucrative opportunities. Conor McGregor made about $85 million against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
Francis Ngannou earned about $10 million against Fury in 2023. It was much more than his UFC career, showing the financial appeal of crossover fights.
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