Oleksandr Usyk Eyes MMA Legend Conor McGregor as Next Opponent After Tyson Fury Rematch
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has set his sights on a new challenge after his anticipated rematch against Tyson Fury: a potential fight with MMA legend Conor McGregor. The Ukrainian fighter, who recently defeated Fury in a split decision to become the unified heavyweight champion, has expressed a keen interest in making a crossover to mixed martial arts (MMA).
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Usyk, who is 37, spoke about his fascination with the idea of transitioning to MMA, a sport that has seen a number of fighters cross over into boxing. Usyk remarked, “We are extraordinary people. Why not? All the MMA guys are coming to boxing. And we will go from boxing to MMA.”
Usyk’s comments about a potential MMA career come after his significant victory over Fury in May. The rematch between the two fighters is expected to take place later this year. Despite the looming rematch, Usyk has already begun considering future challenges, with McGregor emerging as his top target.
This isn’t the first time Usyk has mentioned a desire to fight McGregor. Earlier this month, Usyk’s sports director, Sergey Lapin, reached out to McGregor via social media, stating, “Hey bro, Conor McGregor! First Oleksandr Usyk has to retire Tyson Fury, but our team is ready to make something great together with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Let’s talk.”
Lapin further elaborated on the potential for this high-profile bout, saying, “He’s proven he’s the best of his generation and, once he’s retired Tyson Fury, he will consider his options. Maybe that’s dropping down in weight again, or maybe there’s a wildcard option on the table for him; be it in the boxing ring, the MMA cage, or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.”
In response to the proposal, Usyk took to Instagram, sharing Lapin’s message with a simple but clear “Let’s talk” and a handshake emoji, signaling his interest in the fight.
Usyk was recently in London for an event at the Ukrainian embassy, which celebrated the British public’s support for Ukraine’s war effort. This event was held in advance of the Paris Olympics, where Usyk won heavyweight gold back in 2012.
As Usyk prepares for his rematch with Fury, the potential for a future bout with McGregor adds an intriguing layer to his career trajectory. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Usyk’s plans unfold, and whether the boxing star will indeed transition to MMA to face one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
