In a recent turn of events, boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has quashed any speculations of stepping into the octagon for an MMA bout against UFC champion Jon Jones.
While attending an event in Melbourne for supporting his friend Joseph Parker in his match against Faiga Opelu, Tyson Fury found himself in the company of renowned UFC competitors Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski.
In a video shared on social media, Fury and Adesanya could be seen laughing as Adesanya attempted to persuade Fury to consider a transition to MMA.
However, Fury swiftly responded swiftly that he is a boxer and follows Queensberry rules. Fury made it evident that he had no intention of stepping inside the cage.
Fury said: “Ah, no. Listen, I ain’t going in no cage. F*** you! I’m a straight-up boxer. Queensberry rules, brother.”
Earlier that night, Fury jokingly threatened both the UFC champions on a video call. Fury expressed his desire to put them in a headlock and take them down, albeit in a jovial manner.
Fury told featherweight champion Volkanovski: “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. I’m gonna get you and Izzy in a headlock and take you down, motherf****rs!”
The buzz surrounding Tyson Fury’s potential crossover matchup started when he responded to a statement made by UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Rogan had claimed that Fury would have no chance against Jon Jones in a no holds barred situation.
Furious with the remark, Fury took to social media and unleashed a huge rant. He vehemently expressed his belief that he would emerge victorious in a matchup against Jones.
Following his response to Joe Rogan, Tyson Fury engaged in a prolonged exchange with Jon Jones. Throughout the conversation, Fury insisted that he would only face Jones in a boxing ring. This back-and-forth dialogue further fueled speculation about the possibility of a crossover match between the two combat sports icons.
UFC President Dana White recently weighed in on the ongoing discussions between Tyson Fury and Jon Jones. White acknowledged Jones as the “baddest dude on the planet” and expressed his willingness to facilitate the match if Fury were serious about competing in the UFC.
In an interview, White said: “Jon Jones is the baddest dude on the planet. There’s no debate, there’s no denying it.”
“You know how I am: If Tyson Fury really wants to fight Jon Jones in the UFC, I will make it happen. Here’s my thing: Right now, Tyson, if you’re serious, let me know.”