In the exhilarating world of combat sports, retirement announcements often come with a caveat. Fighters, with their fiercely competitive spirits, don’t exactly fade away. Instead, they frequently find themselves lured back to the rings and cages. Proving this point true, retired Russian MMA star Fedor Emelianenko has just issued a tremendous challenge; one that threatens to send seismic tremors through the combat sports world. Emelianenko mulled over donning the boxing gloves and stepping into the ring; not against just any professional boxer, but the legendary Mike Tyson.
He wishes to be part of the co-main event for the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou card in Saudi Arabia on October 28th.
🚨| Fedor Emelianenko has called out Mike Tyson to a boxing match as Fedor looks to move into boxing following his retirement from MMA.
Fedor likes the idea of co-main eventing the Fury vs. Ngannou card on October 28th in Saudi Arabia.
[per The MMA Hour] pic.twitter.com/ZV3ciYzhPW— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) August 9, 2023
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Regarded as one of the all-time greats in MMA, Emelianenko has never shied away from challenging the odds. This Russian powerhouse, despite retiring from MMA, stands unbowed, ready to prove his mettle anew in the world of boxing.
The very notion should send ripples of anticipation through combat sports fans worldwide, given Emelianenko’s historical dominance and Tyson’s legendary boxing prowess. This showdown, if brought to fruition, indeed promises to be an event of gargantuan proportions.
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The announcement arrived in a tweet. “Fedor Emelianenko has called out Mike Tyson to a boxing match as Fedor looks to move into boxing following his retirement from MMA. Fedor likes the idea of co-main eventing the Fury vs. Ngannou card on October 28th in Saudi Arabia“.
The tweet was succinctly put but loaded with the potential for high stakes and drama. This wasn’t merely a potential bout – it promised a riveting saga where MMA’s Russian powerhouse would square off against boxing’s very embodiment of ferocity.
Proposed Mike Tyson showdown sparks diverse fan reactions.
In the face of Emelianenko’s audacious call-out, the internet did what it does best – broke out into fervent chatter. Fans, critics, and casual onlookers – all weighed in on the prospect with an array of reactions that painted a vibrant picture of the combat sports community’s sentiment.
Two of the Baddest Men on the planet literally the baddest going head to head . This is Greatness 🥸
— Bullish (@MXCDNYC) August 9, 2023
Many found the idea enticing. A large contingent echoed the sentiment, backed by another fan’s zealous comments:
Now this is the fight I want to see! I have so much respect for Tyson but Fedor going to take the W if this takes place
— Moe Saidi (@MoeSaidi1) August 10, 2023
Skeptics didn’t lag behind in voicing their reservations. One fan pointed out,
Mike will crush him in a boxing match. Not a good move unless he needs the payday ..which I doubt. Fedor looked like shit in his last fight and I am not looking forward to seeing this.
— Blake Maquar (@tothemat) August 10, 2023
Another quipped,
Mike Tyson is an old man with a bad back. He should be getting a call from Jake Paul any day now
— Noah Grice (@noah_grice) August 9, 2023
Comparing the highlight reel knockout artist to Jake Paul’s notorious predilection for fighting aged opponents. More humor was never far away.
Since Jake Paul wants to fight older mma fighters why doesn’t he fight Fedor, that would be a real test. lol
— Emerson Favreau (@Emerfav86) August 9, 2023
One user chimed in, simultaneously adding a layer of levity and jibe at Jake Paul’s choice of opponents. Despite the array of opinions, some fans were clearly distressed at the idea,
I love both of these men and what they’ve accomplished in their careers but I absolutely hate this idea…
— Skrap issue #6 coming soon (@Juicelee) August 10, 2023
Another fan expressed their belief in Tyson’s ability to end the fight positively.
Dude would get blasted to Pluto
— Josh Neal (@JoshLNeal) August 9, 2023
Yet, there were those who were quick to touch upon the technical aspect.
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Terrible mismatch.
Fedor an unbelievable MMA talent, his record speaks for itself but his stand up is no where near as good as Tyson’s. People look at Tyson’s KO record and forget he wasn’t just a slugger, he could really box.
MMA rules would be a closer fight.
— JFev (@Fev118) August 10, 2023
It is undoubtedly clear that Emelianenko issuing a challenge to Mike Tyson has lit a fire under MMA and boxing fans alike. The tweet has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, with fans playing out the match early in their heads.
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Earning cheers and concern in equal measure, the prospect of a showdown between the two goliaths of combat sports has marked yet another significant moment etched in the annals of MMA. Fans will hope to gear up for what might be yet another historic event. What do you think? Should Iron Mike step into the ring one last time?
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