Although it's really no mystery now as to what would happen in a fight between a mixed martial artist and a professional boxer, it would still be a treat to actually see it play out. The thing is, unless the whole planet breaks out in an all-out brawl where weapons aren't allowed (not such a far-fetched concept with the government doing everything in its power to try to ban everything), the only place this could happen is under professional settings. Here's a list of the top 5 boxers we'd like to see in the Octagon.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.- Practically flawless as a boxer, his lack of punching power won't be an issue with 4-oz gloves. His footwork however, is too lazy for MMA especially at the lower weightclasses known for the perpetual motion of its fighters. Floyd won't be able to hang back and potshot and will be forced to fight. His "shoulder roll" defense is useless against kicks, knees, takedowns, clinch attacks and even MMA-style punches that take on a different angle and trajectory from traditional boxing punches. He'll be easy pickings for any top 20 contender.
Wladimir Klitschko- His size and athleticism will take him far in the heavywight division, where kicks aren't as prominent as they are at the lower weights. His height and reach will allow him to use his cautious counter punching style. He is also quicker than most heavyweights and he has more than a fair chance of tagging his opponents before they can get close enough to take him down. He'll have trouble with only the elite of the division but can KO most heavyweights in the UFC.
Roy Jones Jr.- His freakish speed, extraordinary reflexes and one-punch power (even with 8-oz gloves) makes him a threat to any UFC fighter at lightweight and welterweight. Unlike most pro boxers, Roy's stance and footwork are a natural fit for MMA. Taking him down is not a guarantee because of his elusiveness. At worst he's got a 50-50 chance of blasting out his foe regardless of who it is, before they can close the gap and punish him brutally on the ground.
Mike Tyson- Arguably the hardest puncher in the history of all combat sports, he's also among the quickest heavyweights of all time and his explosiveness is unmatched. He can steamroll many of the best heavyweights in the UFC. Every fight starts standing up. Once his opponent is within his punching range, Tyson will either knock him out within 7 seconds or get taken down, depending on who the opponent is. Tyson's speed is no joke and he can catch many a fighter coming in as they try to bum rush him for the takedown. Once he gets taken down it's all over for him, though.
Manny Pacquiao- His constant lateral movement and quick feet are ideal for MMA. His punching style is also suited for the sport and his hands are faster than any MMA fighter around his weightclass. His size will be an issue but he can negate some of it with his in and out movement and try to punch on his own terms. He's got a decent chance of delivering some serious punishment on the stand up against anyone but if he fails to score the KO he will get taken down and mugged.
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