Tyson Fury has revealed that he wants a modified bout which combines the rules of boxing with the ‘small gloves’ and cage of MMA.
Fury has been hinting at an MMA crossover for some time, with he and UFC president Dana White both confirming that talks have been held.
It was revealed in November that he’ d been MMA training with UFC star Darren Till.
Rematch
The British boxing star is set to face Deontay Wilder on February 22 for the WBC heavyweight title.
The pair previously met in 2018, going the distance in a tense draw that saw Wilder keep the title.
Fury was present in Las Vegas as Conor McGregor made his triumphant return to the UFC with a 40 second knockout over Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.
And after the fight the ‘Gypsy King’ reaffirmed his desire to step inside the Octagon and take on a UFC star.
But there’s a catch.
Fury insisted that he doesn’t want a full MMA match, but instead wants to box a UFC champion in the Octagon wearing ‘small gloves’.
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Modified Match-Up
Fury explained that instead of a crossover, he’s interested in participating in a modified match which combines the two sports.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I don’t want to go into an MMA fight, rolling around the floor and all that, no.”
“But I would fight one of their champions in small gloves,”
Once he’s fought Wilder next month, Fury says he’ll turn his attention back to the UFC and hatch a plan with boss Dana White.
“After I beat Deontay Wilder next month, I’m going to have a sit-down with Dana [White] and we’re going to go for it, run some numbers and see if the fight makes sense,” he said.
“Whoever’s available from that side, and whoever’s willing to get their ass kicked in the cage by the heavyweight champion of the world, he’s the one I want.”
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Undisputed
Should Fury defeat Wilder and take the WBC title, there will inevitably be a title defence in the near future.
Anthony Joshua recently stated that he’d chase a unification bout against the winner of Fury and Wilder.
AJ strives to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999.
Although Joshua may be forced to relinquish his WBO or IBF title, the fight is still very much a possibility.
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Time Will Tell
After February 22, more details surrounding the Gypsy King’s plans in boxing and elsewhere should come to light.
Whether he’s a world heavyweight champion, only time will tell.
(Featured image source: Twitter/ UFC and Instagram/ Darren Till)