Oleksandr Usyk vs Jon Jones in UFC? Fans call for MMA super-fight after learning of boxing champion's Martial Arts background
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Fans are clamouring for a massive crossover fight between the two heavyweight champions of the cage and the ring.
After defeating Tyson Fury for a second time on Saturday night, it appears that Oleksandr Usyk has done all he can in the boxing world. Before turning professional in 2013, he won Olympic Gold at the 2012 London Games, and has since become undisputed at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Meanwhile, Jon Jones in the UFC has also established an impressive legacy winning the belts at light-heavyweight and heavyweight through multiple generations of the sport. And there are viewers who believe that a fight between the pair could, or should, be next.
Oleksandr Usyk credits Martial Arts training for boxing success
During a piece of footage from a few years ago, Oleksandr Usyk was spotted telling TV host and boxing expert Mario Lopez that he credits his experience in other martial arts for his boxing movement. He has some of the most impressive footwork in the sport, and can get around the ring very quick for his size.
“It's good,” he could be seen saying. “Our wrestling, our jiu-jitsu, Judo, sambo. Good mechanic. Your right hips. It's good punch. Turn it over. Because a lot of people have only hands. I'm playing Judo, Kickboxing."
His movement was arguably what won him his two fights against Tyson Fury, who is a considerably bigger man and almost certainly the more powerful puncher. He was able to stay at range and even win the jab battle with a man half-a-foot taller and 55lb heavier on Saturday night.
Jon Jones and Oleksandr Usyk dream fight has fans divided
After the old footage went viral from Lopez’s show, fans began to speculate about how he might do if he switched over to the UFC. A number of top MMA fighters have switched to the boxing ring, with little success aside from Anderson Silva and Mike Perry, but boxers rarely go the other way.
Historically James Toney tried and failed against Randy Couture, while women’s boxers such as Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall in the PFL have recently given it a go. However, what makes the potential of a Jones and Usyk bout so exciting is Usyk’s seemingly detailed understanding of grappling.
Fans on X were keen to see the pair potentially match up, writing: “If Usyk was younger, his ufc arc would've been miraculous.” Another added: “Imagine if he accepted a ufc contract.”
While Jones is a less palatable matchup because of his style, other suggestions included the likes of Tom Aspinall or Derrick Lewis. And the general consensus seemed to be that if Usyk tried to fight Jones, he would be submitted quickly.
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