The Best and Worst MMA Fighters Who’ve Tried Boxing

Boxing

The Best and Worst MMA Fighters Who’ve Tried Boxing

MMA fighters and boxing often go hand-in-hand in combat sports discussions. Whether it’s a full-fledged switch or a side gig for an MMA star, the two sports have cross-pollinated time and time again. Many fans have watched MMA stars take a crack at boxing, with varying degrees of success. Let’s break down some of the most successful and most cringe-worthy MMA fighters who’ve tried their hand in the ring.

The Best MMA Fighters in Boxing

1. Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor's 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather will forever be etched in history as one of the most hyped combat sports events of all time. While McGregor lost by TKO in the 10th round, he gained immense respect for hanging in with one of the greatest boxers of all time. McGregor's striking ability, honed in MMA, proved more than enough to make him competitive in a fight with a seasoned professional boxer. His ability to land solid shots against a defensive legend like Mayweather showcased the crossover potential for MMA fighters in boxing.

2. Vitor Belfort

Vitor Belfort made a relatively smooth transition to boxing in his later career. In 2021, Belfort faced Evander Holyfield, the legendary heavyweight, in a high-profile exhibition match. While many doubted his transition, Belfort proved that his knockout power was still relevant, dispatching Holyfield with a brutal TKO in the first round. Belfort’s experience in MMA striking, combined with his solid boxing fundamentals, helped him make an impression in the ring.

3. Anderson Silva

Arguably one of the best strikers in MMA history, Anderson Silva transitioned to boxing with relative success. In 2021, he faced former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a boxing ring. Silva, who was already well known for his elusive footwork and timing in MMA, was able to outbox Chavez Jr., taking the decision victory in a split decision. His unorthodox style and experience in combat sports allowed him to blend elements of his MMA striking game with boxing.

4. Devin Clark

Devin Clark, not to be confused with the other top names on this list, may not be known for his boxing but has shown adaptability and some intrigue in transitioning his MMA skillset into boxing. With an unassuming name and a tough demeanor, he's worked to transition smoothly into boxing and gain recognition for himself.

The Worst MMA Fighters in Boxing or Vice Versa

1. James Toney

James Toney is, without a doubt, one of the worst MMA fighters to try boxing. Toney, a former boxing champion, entered the UFC in 2010 to take on Randy Couture in his debut. While Toney’s boxing pedigree was impressive, his lack of any meaningful grappling skills proved to be a serious flaw. Couture took Toney to the mat within minutes of the fight starting, and it was all downhill from there. Toney's transition to MMA was a disastrous failure, proving that being a legend in one sport doesn't guarantee success in another.

2. CM Punk

CM Punk’s move from professional wrestling to MMA was already met with skepticism, and his short stint in the UFC proved that he wasn’t prepared for the high-level competition. Punk faced Mickey Gall in his first UFC bout in 2016, where he was dominated both standing and on the ground. His boxing, as expected, was unpolished, and despite being able to land a few punches, he was no match for Gall’s superior grappling and striking. Punk's transition into MMA, and later into boxing, was widely regarded as a publicity stunt.

3. Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul

Let’s be clear: this was a circus event rather than a serious fight, but it gets a mention for the sheer absurdity of it all. Logan Paul, a YouTube personality with minimal boxing experience, faced Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition match in 2021. Paul was far from an MMA fighter, but this crossover event falls into the "worst" category for its overall nature. Despite Mayweather’s dominance in boxing, the result was a 6-round sparring match rather than an actual competitive fight. Paul survived without being knocked out, but he wasn’t exactly competitive. The bout exemplified the limits of influencer-boxing crossover, with skill and experience clearly overshadowing the hype.

4. Ronda Rousey

Though Ronda Rousey is a pioneer of women’s MMA, her boxing potential was never fully realized. She dabbled in boxing during her career, but after her decline in the UFC, Rousey became more associated with WWE than professional fighting. Her striking, often criticized in MMA, was never polished enough to transition effectively into the world of boxing. Rousey’s boxing dreams were dashed when she couldn't make a meaningful impact in the sport despite her popularity, failing to prove herself against those with more honed skill sets in that discipline.

FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down

The line between MMA and boxing continues to blur as fighters attempt to cross over into each other's domain. While some have succeeded in boxing, others have faced embarrassing defeats that highlight the difficulty of transitioning between these two striking-heavy sports.

MMA fighters who succeed in boxing usually have a strong base in their own striking game, like Conor McGregor and Anderson Silva. However, for those without a solid stand-up game—like CM Punk, James Toney, or Logan Paul—the transition can be disastrous.

It’s clear that boxing and MMA require different sets of skills, and not every fighter can excel in both arenas. But it’s also a testament to the versatility and adaptability of combat sports athletes that so many have tried, and at times succeeded, in making the jump between these two ferocious worlds.

Boxing