Boxing legend ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson loves combat sports and is especially thrilled about mixed martial arts (MMA). In fact, Tyson has spent some time with UFC President Dana White discussing MMA. He was also recently invited to experience what “The Ultimate Fighter” season was all about, watching fights from the upcoming Season 12 ‘Team GSP vs Team Koscheck’.
After watching James Toney make a fool out of himself against Randy Couture at UFC 118, Tyson believes Toney was a bad example of a boxer trying to make it in the octagon. He strongly feels that a boxer can actually be successful in MMA, as long as he acquires some knowledge in grappling and wrestling.
From Mike Tyson:
“You have to admit, Toney looked horrible. He looked slow. He didn’t look like a seasoned, conditioned athlete. You only had to look at his body structure. No way, Toney didn’t get ready to fight a real, professional athlete like Randy is. It was ridiculous. He had no respect for Randy…. I know 100 percent that a boxer (could win). As long as he learns how to grapple and wrestle, he could do great. You’ve got to go in there respecting the sport, and not just thinking you’re going to knock somebody out every time. It’s a complicated sport, but a good boxer has to be a great athlete anyway.”