Over the years, LeBron James has sculpted a body that many consider the ultimate symbol of longevity in the NBA. But could that same physical dominance translate into the boxing ring? Carmelo Anthony certainly thought so. Back in 2022, he praised LeBron’s potential as a fighter, saying, “Why not? I think he has the skills for the sport. He’s an athlete, 100 percent. If he had dedicated himself to being a fighter, he could do it.” According to Marca, some fans even went as far as to claim the Lakers star could challenge a prime Mike Tyson. UFC president Dana White, however, threw cold water on that idea, arguing that before dreaming of Tyson, LeBron would first have to prove himself against an MMA champion.

The UFC CEO and president was recently interviewed by ‘Overtime’. The main topic of the Q&A session was to determine which athlete can stand out against prime Khabib Nurmagomedov. When the interviewer brought up Draymond Green’s name, Dana White confidently said, “Not long. I don’t know…. 10 seconds.” LeBron James wasn’t given any favor either, as Dana White admitted, when his name came up, that “10 seconds. He’s gonna get him, and he’s gonna strangle him or rip his arm off”.

Even Jake Paul was given more credit than LeBron James, with Dana White noting that the boxer-turned-influencer could at least last “25 seconds” thanks to his experience in the ring. That comparison highlights just how steep the climb would be for LeBron in combat sports. Consider Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired in 2020 with a flawless 29-0 record. Not even UFC icons like Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, or Dustin Poirier managed to hand the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion a single loss.

Even fellow UFC fighters can’t help but be in awe of Khabib’s legacy. Ahead of his bout with Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad spent time training alongside the undefeated champion. The experience left a lasting impression, as Muhammad admitted, “Being able to actually train and move and learn from him was even better too, because you’re learning from the G.O.A.T. You’re learning from the Michael Jordan of your sport. Khabib’s still in his prime.” That kind of reverence underscores why Dana White scoffed at the idea of LeBron James, or anyone without combat experience, lasting against fighters of Khabib’s caliber.

Judging from Dana White’s comments and all the experience Khabib Nurmagomedov has, LeBron James cannot best the Russian. However, according to another legend in the UFC community, LeBron cannot beat the people in his sport either.

Michael Chiesa Trolled LeBron James Over Any UFC Hopes: “Bill Laimbeer in his prime would smoke him”

Back in April, an NBA fan went viral after sharing an AI-generated image of LeBron James standing shirtless in the octagon, a UFC belt strapped proudly around his waist. The caption read: “LeBron James is a 6’9″ tank of an athlete, it’s hard for me to believe he wouldn’t wash a couple MMA fighters with a little training.” The bold claim quickly stirred debate online, and even caught the eye of Welterweight contender Michael Chiesa, who couldn’t resist chiming in with a troll of his own.

“Bill Laimbeer in his prime would smoke him in an MMA fight,” wrote Chiesa in the post. Bill Laimbeer is no UFC fighter. He is a 68-year-old former NBA player who, during his prime, was part of the notorious ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons. The ‘Bad Boys’ were known for getting physical with their rivals on the NBA court, especially against the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls.

As ‘Athlon Sports’ reporter Brian Mazique highlighted, “Laimbeer was as rough as they came during his heyday on the court, but Chiesa should know better. None of that means he’d be any good at MMA”. After all, if the Lakers star can go up against a member of the ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons in his prime, doesn’t that mean he should be given a chance in MMA?

Do you think that LeBron James can become a good UFC fighter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.