The fighting community encompasses multiple disciplines, with boxing and MMA being two of the most prominent at present. Interestingly, there have been instances where boxers and MMA fighters have trained in other martial arts throughout their careers. One notable example is Oleksandr Usyk, who recently disclosed that he has trained in MMA during his boxing career.
MMA is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after sports as it consists of multiple fighting genres, including wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and many more. With that, it also brings a lot of perks as the athletes who have trained can gain multiple benefits. In the case of Oleksandr Usyk, training MMA along with boxing helped him improve his boxing mechanics.
🤯🥊Oleksandr Usyk has revealed that he trains kickboxing, judo and wrestling to improve his boxing mechanics
🎥YT/USYK17 🔹 pic.twitter.com/M9DlURvacM
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 29, 2024
Usyk attributes much of his success in boxing to the benefits gained from his MMA training, which has positively influenced his overall performance in the ring. Speaking of his performance in the ring, the Ukrainian boxer made his professional boxing debut over a decade ago. Since then, he has yet to be defeated and currently holds a record of 22 wins in 22 fights.
Usyk has a strong connection with nearly every prominent fighter in the world. As such, he even frequently collaborated with them and shared exciting moments online. Most recently, the Ukrainian boxer met UFC superstar Conor McGregor at the record-breaking ‘Battle of Britain’ fight night a month ago. Interestingly, apart from this encounter, Usyk once expressed interest in the possibility of fighting the Irishman.
When Oleksandr Usyk called out MMA star Conor McGregor for a fight
UFC superstar Conor McGregor is well-known in the world of combat sports. Over the years, he has built a remarkable reputation through his impressive performances, making him a highly sought-after opponent. As such, his success even led the former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion to challenge him to a fight.
Interestingly, McGregor and Usyk share a strong camaraderie. As such, the Ukrainian boxer has even expressed a desire to fight at McGregor’s BKFC promotion. If anyone were given the chance to face the PPV star McGregor, it would be hard to deny that opportunity. Usyk acknowledged this, stating that if given the chance, he would also gladly fight the Irishman.
Why not? (Conor) McGregor, come on… I’m ready to fight…
Oleksandr Usyk via Boxing King Media
Oleksandr Usyk expresses interest in fighting in the UFC 👀
“Why not? McGregor, come on… I’m ready to fight.”
🎥 @boxingkingmedia #UFC #MMA #Boxing pic.twitter.com/uVVhrxInW5
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 26, 2024
In his illustrious fighting career, McGregor has participated in boxing only once, facing Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Although he lost that fight, he earned millions from it. Now, it’s unclear whether the Irishman is interested in another boxing match. Meanwhile, Usyk is currently set to face Tyson Fury in a rematch this coming December.
