MMA legend Mike Tyson recently discussed his reasons for never joining the UFC during his prime. At 58, Tyson remains a significant figure in boxing as he prepares for a match against Floyd Mayweather in 2026. His last outing was against Jake Paul in 2024, where he lost by unanimous decision.
Tyson’s Views on UFC Pay Structure
In a candid statement, Tyson highlighted how the UFC pay structure influenced his decision. He noted that the combined earnings of the top UFC fighters wouldn’t come close to what he made per individual boxing match.
He stated, “Listen, five of the biggest UFC fighters combined couldn’t match my pay. I want to be the biggest fighter, the biggest purse. I want all that stuff. When Mike Tyson fights, he shuts everything down.”
Tyson’s Boxing Legacy
Throughout his career, Tyson carved an indelible mark in the sport of boxing. He remains the youngest heavyweight champion in history and was once perceived as invincible, defeating world-class opponents with ease.
Tyson’s comments about UFC may provoke a reaction from Dana White, the organization’s CEO. His tenure has been marked by discussions around the compensation fighters receive, leaving some fans critical of the promotion’s practices.
Upcoming Fight with Floyd Mayweather
Tyson’s upcoming bout with Mayweather has surprised fans, considering the age difference; Mayweather is 48 and a decade younger than Tyson. Tyson expressed disbelief that Mayweather accepted the challenge, saying, “I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really do this. It’s going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it’s signed and it’s happening.”
Conclusion
Mike Tyson’s revelations about why he never considered the UFC during his prime shed light on the significance of fighter earnings. As he prepares for another high-profile match, Tyson continues to ignite conversations about the intersection of boxing and mixed martial arts.
