Floyd Mayweather takes first big step toward major UFC fight
Floyd Mayweather says it’s no joke — he’s training to become a mixed martial arts fighter.
And for those who don’t think he’s serious, Mayweather told TMZ he’s planning to submit the paperwork necessary — presumably in Nevada — to get licensed as a professional MMA fighter.
The champion boxer says he plans to start training with former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
“I’m going to start soon,” Mayweather said of his MMA training. “We’ve been texting back and forth. We talked a couple times, but we’re going to start working out real soon.”
Floyd Mayweather's Applying for MMA License, Wants 6-8 Months to Train https://t.co/7XSw2fLKy2
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 19, 2018
Las Vegas oddsmakers are already anticipating Mayweather is preparing for a rematch with Conor McGregor, whom Mayweather defeated in a boxing match last year.
In an MMA-style fight, McGregor would be a heavy favorite.
Odds for a potential Mayweather-McGregor MMA fight are now officially out at Westgate.
Mayweather +650
McGregor -1000Fight needs to happen by 9/1/19. Limits are 2K.
— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) March 19, 2018
Mayweather, who has previously ruled out any chance of him taking part in an MMA fight, now tells TMZ he thinks he’ll be ready for an MMA bout in as little as six months.
“Even if it takes six to eight months, whatever it takes, we just want to make sure everything is done correctly, and everything is done the right way,” the 41-year-old Mayweather said.
He said some elements of his MMA skills are fairly polished.
“I can wrestle. My wrestling game is not that bad,” Mayweather said. “On a scale from one to 10, I would say it’s probably a seven. We can take it up to a nine, if possible. Of course my hand game, on a scale of one to 10, it’s 100. The kicking game, on a scale from one to 10, it’s probably a four.
“We have to tweak a few things to take things to the next level.”
Mayweather would not say if his first MMA bout would be against McGregor.
“I really don’t know,” he said. “We can’t say, that’s why I pause because I can’t really say. I have to talk with my team, speak with my father and see how it’s going to play out. … I haven’t even started training yet.”
Considering he’s never fought in an MMA bout before, Mayweather could be taking his life into his own hands by debuting against an experienced fighter like McGregor.
The Irishman is 21-3 with 18 knockouts.
Of course, if the money’s right, Mayweather may be willing to take the chance.
“We already know it’s all about presenting the right numbers and, of course, [UFC] is going to present the right numbers and we are going to make it happen,” he said.
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