Mayweather Considering Move to MMA

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is discussing a deal with billionaire Mark Cuban that could put the best boxer on the planet in a mixed martial arts bout.

If an agreement is reached, Mayweather would join HDNet Fights, Cuban's fledgling MMA promotional arm, ESPN reported Friday.

"Floyd is considering fighting with HDNet Fights," Cuban told ESPN.com. "We are going to let him visit some gyms to talk to some folks about what it would take to learn. He knows it won't be easy. But he is getting involved with MMA and HDNet Fights one way or another. He is pumped about it. He wants to go on to the next big thing. Floyd is a brilliant marketer. He follows the money."

The undefeated Mayweather, a five-division world champion regarded as one of the purest pugilists in boxing history, stopped English challenger Ricky Hatton on Dec. 8 to retain his welterweight title.

Cuban and Mayweather, who struck up a friendship during the taping of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," met Thursday in Las Vegas to discuss a possible role for the boxer with HDNet Fights.

According to ESPN.com, Leonard Ellerbe, a close Mayweather associate, said a move from the sweet science to MMA is something that seriously interests the boxer.

"When Floyd makes his move, obviously it's going to be a mega event," Ellerbe told ESPN. "We don't have a timetable. Floyd is taking some time off, but Floyd understands what is involved. You have to take time to go out and understand what you're getting involved in, and he's ready to do that."

Mayweather, 30, was part of two events in 2007 that generated 3.25 million pay-per-view buys and $200 million in revenue. A defeat of Oscar de la Hoya in May broke PPV records with 2.4 million subscriptions. In all, Mayweather made $50 million for his bouts with de la Hoya and Hatton.

"If I said there's a guaranteed $30 million payday, Floyd would be lacing them up," Cuban told ESPN.com. "If not, I could see him working to train and develop and invest in MMA fighters, knowing the upside. He can teach them how to be a better boxer and add to their other skills."

Should he decide to compete in MMA, Mayweather would immediately become the best boxer to test himself in that arena. Others such as Francois Botha (Pictures), Art Jimmerson, Melton Bowen and James Warring fared poorly in their respective MMA efforts.

Mayweather would likely compete in MMA's 145-pound featherweight division, which is currently dominated by WEC champion Urijah Faber .

[Buzz Killington]

ok, the problem i see is with that weight class it goes to the ground A LOT. not much knock out power there and that is exact opposite of his element. looking into the glass half full, it might work to his advantage because he is surely fast enough to avoid take downs and keep it standing up.

[Shakes 999]

Jesus, what is he thinking. If he makes the move, he needs to just be a coach to one of the training camps. He would keep his legacy intact and could definatly improve the quality of striking 10 fold in MMA.

Otherwise, hes just gonna be eaten alive once he hits the ring/cage.

[zcwilly]

Boxers always get whooped by the wrestlers in those type of fights. Once they get taken down they're done. But I would enjoy watching him give it a shot.

[skelekim]

no

[Shakes 999]

Taken from fark


"yeah i wouldn't think a boxer could go very far against more well-rounded fighters. now granted i'm basing my opinion purely on "ryu vs balrog" matches, but i think i'm on solid ground."

[Wes]

Faber would destroy him.

[System Ho!]

lol. man any of the wec/ufc lightweight fighters would destroy mayweather. he doesnt have that kind of stamina. and you cant run in mma. it against the rules.

[TheAmazon]

uhhhhhh, i dunno about this...MMA is differnt..to say the least.


BILLS TO PAY ..i'm guessing.

[Damnsammit]

Originally Posted by TheAmazon

BILLS TO PAY ..i'm guessing.

He does have a dope ass crib and some fly cars.

He also likes Ramen Noodles.... a lot.

(Just watched his MTV Cribs this weekend)

[Aleksus Sanchez]

wait, I say let him in. The motherphucker needs a nice ass kicking!!

[codec]

would be owned in first meetin.

[marvel]

he wont do it unless he knows he can win, he will not risk getting beat, he will fight some flunkies then get out of mma.