ESPN.com is reporting that Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban (who’s HDNet TV station is showcasing a plethora of high quality MMA news and events) is in conversation with boxing’s pound for pound champion Floyd ‘Prettyboy’ Mayweather, about a potential migration from boxing to MMA.
It appears Mayweather is weighing out his options right now. While he is light years ahead of everybody in the striking department, he is miles behind in the rest of the virtues that make up the sport of MMA. In order for him to take this seriously, he will need to learn a whole new game plan, mentality and strategy to fighting. His footwork will have to change, his angles and attacks will be different and of course there are the submissions, kicking, elbows, offence and defence that seperates an MMA bout from a boxing one.
Mayweather’s MMA game will no doubt be to knock people out. Lest we forget that in MMA, fighters use 4 oz gloves so his striking range will need to be shortened by a few inches and his intensity and power may need to be dropped slightly. (If you have ever trained with boxing gloves and MMA gloves, you will know that there is a big difference with range due to the sizing of the gloves and those inches can be crucial in whether you get tagged in your noggin or are able to do the same to your opponent). Mayweather already has a history of bad wrists, knuckles and ongoing pain in his hands. If he starts banging away with MMA gloves the way he does with boxing gloves, he will never make his MMA debut.
There is so much to this story that can be dissected and analysed, but I think it is only fair to wait to see where Mark Cuban takes it. He is very serious about his MMA brand and wants it to be the next big thing rivaling the UFC. History has proven that whatever Cuban touches, Cuban turns to gold. If he can land Floyd Mayweather, he will take his MMA brand from a growing entity to an instant and reputable competitor to the UFC.
While I am salivating and the mere thought of Mayweather plying his trade in the sport of MMA, I am skeptical on the reality of it actually occurring. Mayweather wants a big payday and there is no doubt that Cuban can give it to him, but the real deal is the who, when, and how will it all unfold. I for one will be watching very closely solely for the fact that if it does happen, the sport of MMA will experience it’s largest growth spurt ever. Mayweather brings a lot to the table and not just boxing fans; he brings a serious mainstream following that is second to none. This angle alone has me hoping it happens but again, buy I’m keeping my mental money in my pocket; I’m not buying it just yet.
Season’s Greeting To You and Yours,
Joe Ferraro
