Mixed martial arts is a complex combat sport. As a competitor you have to be well-versed in multiple fighting arts. Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, wrestling, kickboxing and judo are just the tip of the iceberg. Here we take a look at five fighters that would do quite well in pure boxing. Also known as the Sweet Science, boxing is one of the highest forms of pure hand-to-hand combat.
5) Georges St-Pierre
Having started from a Kyokushin Karate background and turning into a devastating wrestler during his MMA career, Georges St. Pierre is the greatest welterweight in all of MMA. His astute learning and love for the sport would allow him to do quite well in boxing. Having trained with Freddie Roach, Roach stated that he’s an incredibly hard worker and would work in front of a mirror all night on one move.
4) Conor McGregor
He may have lost his last fight by submission, but Conor McGregor’s unique southpaw style, power and chin would find him doing well in an all-boxing setting. A recent video of him has appeared sparring former IBO champion Chris van Heerden. In the video, McGregor does well against someone with over 20 professional boxing bouts.
3) Frankie Edgar
The New Jersey native Frankie Edgar has displayed crisp and clean boxing further and further into his MMA career. Even though he comes from a wrestling background, in his recent fight he was able to dispose of Chad Mendes with a clean left hook to the nose. He took out Mendes even faster than Conor McGregor. His quick movement and fast hands would have him doing quite well in a boxing ring.
2) Diaz Brothers
Nick and Nate Diaz may be wizards with their Brazilian Jiu-jitsu prowess, but their boxing has been their primary striking weapon. Even boxing great Andre Ward has stated that they have legit hands. If anything, Nate Diaz’s win over Conor McGregor where both primarily used their hands is a small indication on how well they would do in a pure boxing scenario.
1) Anderson Silva
Mostly known for his devastating kicks, elbows and knees, Anderson Silva is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all-time. But he’s always dreamt of boxing one of his idols Roy Jones Jr. In his prime, Silva was quick, creative, had incredible reflexes as well as having fast hands. As a south paw, he could have given numerous professional boxers a challenge. Freddie Roach has called him one of the most intelligent fighters he’s ever seen.
Clyde Erwin Barretto is an emphatic obsessed fan of mixed martial arts, combat sports and body movement. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeBarretto.
