Mike Tyson Dismisses MMA, Claims UFC Fighters Can’t Match His Earnings
Mike Tyson, a legendary figure in boxing, recently addressed the topic of mixed martial arts (MMA) during an interview with Hard Rock Bet. The discussion revolved around whether he would have considered competing in the UFC had he been in his prime in today’s fighting landscape. Tyson, now 59, expressed little curiosity about this hypothetical scenario.
Tyson’s Earnings vs. UFC Fighters
During the interview, Tyson asserted, “No, I don’t think that,” when asked about potentially fighting in the UFC. He emphasized that the combined earnings of the five highest-paid UFC fighters would not match his individual paychecks. Tyson remarked, “Listen, the biggest UFC—five of the biggest UFC fighters combined couldn’t match my pay.”
Historic Earnings
In the 1980s and 1990s, Tyson became a dominant force in heavyweight boxing, earning between $10 million to $30 million per fight. His financial success peaked during a highly publicized bout with Lennox Lewis in 2002, where he reportedly earned over $100 million. This level of income positioned Tyson as one of the highest-earning athletes in combat sports history.
Comparative Earnings in MMA
Considering today’s landscape, only fighters like Conor McGregor approach Tyson’s legendary earnings. Current UFC stars, including Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury, are often reported to earn significantly less than boxing champions. Tyson’s belief is that negotiations with the UFC regarding pay would likely not have been feasible for him.
Tyson stated, “I want to be the biggest fighter, the biggest purse, I want all that stuff,” reinforcing his stance. He believes his presence in the ring would have a transformative impact on the sport, saying, “Mike Tyson fights, he shuts everything down.”
Conclusion
While the possibility of a prime Mike Tyson competing in the UFC remains a subject of speculation, one thing is clear: his legacy in boxing continues to outshine the earnings and fame of many MMA fighters today. Tyson’s financial achievements mark him as a unique figure whose market value remains unmatched in the world of combat sports.
