Mike Tyson, the former two-time heavyweight champion went down in history as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time. During his heydays, the man showcased such an unearthly set of skills and power that boxing critics began to compare him with ‘The greatest of all time’, Muhammad Ali. At the age of 20, ‘Kid Dynamite’ sent the spark by becoming the youngest heavyweight champion ever, and later in the years he unified all titles in the division by defeating several big names. It’s hard to find anyone who would not agree with the fact that Tyson was a great champion once. But this saying is being ruled out by one of the most famous UFC title contenders Chael Sonnen.

While discussing, the highly anticipated UFC 284 showdown that will see an exciting contest between pound-for-pound no.1 Alexander Volkanovski challenging the title of pound-for-pound no.2 Islam Makhachev, the former MMA dynamo came up questioning Tyson’s legacy. In the context of the current situation in the lightweight division of UFC, the man roped former undefeated champ Khabib Nurmagomedov and compared it with Tyson’s setting against Evander Holyfield.

What did Sonnen say about Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield?

Sonnen’s claims are certainly intriguing. The reason he presented while derating Tyson’s stature is very unique. According to him, Tyson vs Holyfield was not made for 10 years intentionally so ‘The Baddest Man on Planet’ remain the champion.

“When they fight the older guy wins so if history would have been done right way Mike Tyson never would have been champion. That’s just the truth he never would have been champion. Not a day of his career was he the best in the world. At least we saw what Evander did to him.
So that’s essentially what you’re trying to say to Khabib,” said Sonnen.

Known for his intimidating pressure style, ‘Iron’ Mike won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout. At this point in his career, he seemed undefeatable. Unaware of distractions, the young phenomenon was ripping apart every opponent he was coming across in the ring. Unfortunately, plenty of leisure pursuits and overconfidence gave a setback. In 1990, the boxing world witnessed the biggest upset because Tyson, who as per BoxRec, was on a winning streak of 37-0, faced his first defeat against a heavy underdog, Buster Douglas.

Read more- Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield: Who Has the Better Record?

Tyson certainly bounced back from the loss and became champion again in 1995. Notably, Tyson was involved in a lot of controversies in the meantime, as he went to jail, and lost his prime years. Though he became champion again, he was not the same boxer who once dominated the heavyweight division. Along with him, rose another heavyweight great Evander Holyfield. The four-time heavyweight champion turned professional before Tyson and remained a big rival throughout his career. But the duo met for the first time in 1996. Where after battling for 11 rounds Tyson got knocked out. A year later, in 1997, the duo met again in a rematch that could not reach fruition as Tyson was disqualified the mid-way for biting the latter’s ear.

With this storyline, do you agree with Sonnen? Do you think his claims make sense? Let us know in the comments below.

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