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Jiu-Jitsu Legend Royce Gracie Reveals Mike Tyson Agreed to an MMA Fight in UFC; Explains Why It Never Came to Fruition

Published 03/06/2024, 4:16 PM EST

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It’s been a norm to see MMA fighters transitioning into boxing. However, hardly has anyone gone from the squared circle to the octagon lately. But, what if it were to happen? And what if that fighter was one of the greatest boxing talents of his generation, Mike Tyson?

Mike Tyson was one of the most feared men of his time. Reluctantly, he hung up his gloves with a staggering record of 50-6. As the highs soared, many imagined that the sport had reached its golden era. A revelation now suggests that he was offered a fight in the MMA format. If this was the case, why did he not accept it?

UFC fighter Keyshawn Johnson on the All Facts No Brakes podcast was joined by UFC Hall of Famer and Jiu-Jitsu legend Royce Gracie. The Brazilian MMA fighter was asked if it was true that he and ‘Iron Mike’ were offered an MMA fight in the octagon. Confirming the rumor, Gracie admitted, “That’s true. We actually invited Mike Tyson to fight. He accepted to fight in the UFC. But then, everybody around him said don’t do it. He would have ruined boxing at the time. Yes, but we had a challenge to bring him in to fight in the UFC.”

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Gracie, one of the most influential figures in the Mixed Martial Arts, like Mike Tyson, was a legend of his time. Would Tyson sustain the power of him inside the octagon? Gracie rebutted with a comparison. As Gracie explained, it would be like him training for boxing after having led a successful career in MMA. Tyson too was aware of his shortcomings in the format. As Gracie revealed, “He accepted. He’s a tough guy, he’s a fighter. He’s like man…”

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While Gracie would have an upper hand in the octagon against Mike Tyson, it is not like the latter is a passive force. Gracie remarked, “I’m not punching proof. If he hits my shoulder, fight will be over too.”

Well, that fight did not happen. But in the podcast, the host spoke about a supposed simulation in which Gracie won via a TKO. Gracie, however, agreed that that would be a stretch. So what could be the result of the fight? He suggests his victory, however, it would be by submission.

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What do you think would be the result of that fight? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Written by:

Mohammed Shafiulla

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Mohammed Shafiulla is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With a Master’s degree in Journalism from a reputed institute, Shafi has cemented his position as one of the astute observers of boxing at ES. One of the early supporters of Naoya Inoue, Shafi has covered his transition from a Japanese boxer with a niche fan following to a power-punching global boxing star.
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Edited by:

Gokul Pillai