The MMA vs. boxing debate has been a hot topic in combat sports for years. Enthusiasts and experts often engage in discussions, but UFC color commentator Joe Rogan once succinctly put this debate to rest with a compelling one-minute video.
In this ongoing debate, proponents of each discipline argue vehemently about which is superior in a real-life scenario. The emergence of crossover fights, such as Francis Ngannou facing Tyson Fury, reignited this debate. Many expected Fury to dominate the contest since it was essentially a boxing match on his turf. However, Ngannou’s remarkable performance left everyone astonished. Despite losing via a split decision, he proved himself at Fury’s level, even knocking the heavyweight champion down with a powerful blow.
This event shattered the conventional notion that boxers would always outshine MMA athletes in boxing matches. It sparked a new wave of discussions, with professional athletes voicing their opinions.
During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley weighed in on the matter. He confidently stated that he could defeat renowned boxers like Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Shakur Stevenson in real-life.
O’Malley argued that having boxing skills alone wouldn’t suffice in such a scenario. MMA athletes possess the ability not only to strike with punches but also to employ kicks, grapples, and a wide array of other techniques like knees and elbows. He emphasized that the versatility MMA stars posses makes them formidable opponents.
O’Malley’s statement triggered intense online debates among fans of both boxing and MMA. Many individuals who practice these disciplines joined the discussion, adding depth to the arguments.
However, Joe Rogan, an influential voice in the martial arts world, provided a definitive stance on this debate. As someone with extensive experience in various martial arts, including Taekwondo, Jiu-jitsu, boxing, karate, wrestling, and Muay Thai, as well as owning multiple black belts, Rogan’s opinion carries significant weight.
In a podcast appearance, Rogan dismantled the notion that a boxer could prevail over an MMA athlete in an MMA match.
During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, UFC bantam
“If Conor McGregor was gonna fight Floyd Mayweather in MMA, it is close to 100 percent as anything ever gets ever. Conor’s gonna get a hold of him and then he is gonna be like a baby. If it does not happen, he will kick Floyd’s legs out from under him. It will be a completely alien range for Floyd and every time Floyd goes in Front kick to the stomach. Boom front kick to the stomach. Boom front kick to the stomach. How many of those can you take?” Rogan said.
He added, “Okay boom, inside leg kick. Boom, outside leg kick. He is laughing at you now. Now he is talking sh*t and you realize you got to get past those legs? You could try to close the distance. Boom spinning back kick to the liver until he decides to take you to the ground and cut your face open with elbows. How about that? Right arm down with his left shin, gets on top of you and just starts smashing the edge of the elbow into your eye sockets into your nose, cuts across your forehead. Slices you open like a f*cking melon. You don’t have a chance.”