Mike Tyson has every right to stake a claim to being the most famous fighter in history. While an appearance in the UFC, a sport he enjoys, would have been monumental, financial restraints stood in the way of it happening.
During the height of his career, Tyson was must-see TV. Since that time, the UFC has closed the gap atop the combat sports rankings and is considered by many to be the best form of combat to watch.
Despite the sport’s growth, competing inside the cage doesn’t appeal to everybody. According to Mike Tyson, he could never test himself under the UFC banner due to the vast difference in pay compared to its counterpart, boxing.
“Listen, five of the biggest UFC fighters combined can’t match my pay,” Tyson insisted while knocking back the thought of competing in mixed martial arts.
Throughout history, many have laid claim to being the baddest man on the planet, but it’s difficult to argue against ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson being exactly that.
In the late 80s, Tyson became the youngest boxing heavyweight champion, winning the WBC gold at just 20 years old.
While his expertise between the ropes was a handful for most, his lack of wrestling, among other areas, could have been exposed if he decided to change the ring for the cage.
One certainty surrounding Mike Tyson is that, win, lose, or draw, millions around the world will tune in to his fights.
“I wanted to be the biggest figher, the biggest purse. I wanted all that stuff,” Tyson continued.
“When Mike Tyson fights, he shuts everything down.”
Related: Mike Tyson fight breaks viewership record
As he approaches his 60th birthday, Mike Tyson seems comfortable prolonging his career in the ring with exhibition bouts.
An exhibition draw over Roy Jones Jr. and a professional defeat to Jake Paul make up his last two outings. If all things go to plan, Tyson will be stepping into the squared circle once again next year, in a rumored clash against Floyd Mayweather.
Listen to Mike Tyson’s comments on the UFC below.
