Since it became evident that Conor McGregor and Floyd McGregor could actually end up fighting, several UFC fighters started campaigning for bouts with other boxing stars. Does Daniel Cormier think this is a good idea? No. No he does not.
In recent weeks, Jimi Manuwa has called for a boxing match with David Haye. Prior to his recent loss to Stipe Miocic, Junior dos Santos relayed he wants to box Anthony Joshua. Of course, for years now, Roy Jones Jr. and Anderson Silva have talked about boxing each other.
Well, during the latest UFC Tonight, Cormier was asked to weigh-in on the whole, UFC fighter vs. a boxing star trend. Here is some of what the light-heavyweight champ had to say (quote via MMA Mania):
“He can actually go and fight Mayweather,” Cormier said. “He will lose. These dudes will get slept, it’s going to be embarrassing, so no, it is not good for the UFC. Conor, hats off to you, make your money, but don’t get slept! Which might happen.”
Now, there’s no doubt that in a boxing match, there’s a pretty good chance that some of these aforementioned bouts wouldn’t end so well for the UFC fighter. Would it be embarrassing for the UFC? Hard to say.
Sure, people who are clueless about MMA, might see this as evidence somehow that boxers are better fighters. So, ya, it could hurt the UFC brand somewhat.
But, it does seem like more and more people these days understand the differences between MMA and boxing. So, it wouldn’t adversely impact the sport nearly as much as say, five, ten years ago.
Chances are, however, that after McGregor faces Mayweather, all this talk with subside.