Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight kingpin Stipe Moicic is setting his sights on an intriguing fight with Tyson Fury
In a shocking announcement, the lineal heavyweight champion recently revealed that he might be making his mixed martial arts debut later this year.
“I’ve got something epic coming up, after this. Even more bigger than this,” Fury told Sky Sports, (transcript from Bloody Elbow.)
“Yeah, we might see Tyson Fury have his MMA debut this year too,”
“It’s different but like I say, ‘Tyson Fury, taking over.’”
Fury added that he has been in touch with the former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, as they plan to train together in Ireland.
“Yeah, I’ve been speaking to Conor [McGregor] about it, and he’s willing to train me. And it’s gonna be good.”
“He just said, any time you’re ready, when you get the time, let’s go.”
“Come over to Dublin, and we’ll start training. So, can’t wait! Gonna take him up on the offer.”
New Challenge
Fury hasn’t mentioned any names of his target opponents but if there’s someone who would welcome him in the cage, that is the current UFC heavyweight champion.
Speaking to ESPN in a recent interview, Miocic said he is no longer interested with a trilogy fight with Daniel Cormier as he eyes a crossover bout with ‘The Gypsy King.’
“I saw Tyson Fury is coming into the mix now here,” Miocic stated, (transcrip from MMA Junkie).
“I like a new challenge… With DC, I didn’t fluke knock him out – I beat him. I decisively beat him. Our first fight, congrats to DC.”
“But he caught me with a punch in the first round.”
“There was a lot going on in my mind that night. No excuses, but he beat me. The second fight I won.”
“There’s no taking it away from me. I didn’t get lucky, I just straight outworked him.”
“He’s a talented fighter, so he’s definitely going to have good striking. But anyone can make a (30-second) highlight reel. It’s still good, but I can do that too.”
Good Show
The 37-year old American, who recaptured the 265-pound title last August, guaranteed that a showdown with Fury, whether in the cage or in the ring, would be an absolute treat for the fans.
“Definitely if he wants to step into the Octagon, I’ll love it. I’ll step in the ring. I’d love to box him.”
“I would love to box him. He’s a great fighter. He’s a good dude and we’d put on a good show.”
“It’s something new – something different.”
“In mixed martial arts, there’s a lot more to go with. You’ve got a bunch of martial arts to work with. In boxing, we’d just go toe-to-toe and slug it out.”
Fury has been seen training with UFC middleweight, Darren Till, in England but no official deal has been made yet for his MMA debut.
Will the UFC book its heavyweight champion against the boxing superstar? What do you think of Fury’s chances against Miocic?
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Tyson Fury and Stipe Miocic)