Boxing Star Tyson Fury Says MMA Debut Could Happen Soon, Has Talked to Conor McGregor About Training

It may seem like a long shot to a lot combat sports observers right now, but recently Tyson Fury claimed that we could see him make his MMA debut soon.

Fury is set to make his WWE debut

Recently it was announced that Fury will perform at the WWE’s November 2nd event this weekend in Saudi Arabia. “The Gypsy King” will face Braun Strowman.

The news caught some folks off guard, since Fury is coming off a decision win over Otto Wallin last month, and because there’s been talk he could rematch Deontay Wilder in early 2020.

Fury’s comments about MMA and training with Conor McGregor

Well, if the WWE appearance turned heads, then so did Fury’s comments about taking a MMA fight. While talking to Sky Sports recently, the decorated boxer said this (quotes via MMA Mania):

”I’ve got something big coming up after this, even bigger than this,” Fury said. “We might see Tyson Fury have his MMA debut this year too. It’s different, but like I say, Tyson Fury taking over.”

“Yeah, I’ve been speaking to Conor [McGregor] about it, and he’s willing to train me. And it’s gonna be good. I come from a long line of bare knuckle boxing champions. Getting hurt, getting bloody. You saw my last fight, blood everywhere! Nothing new to me. All a part of my heritage and upbringing. So, I’d love to get in there and smash someone up.”

”[McGregor] just said, any time you’re ready, when you get the time, let’s go,” he concluded. “Come over to Dublin, and we’ll start training. So, can’t wait! Gonna take him up on the offer. Who knows, who knows? We might be on a double header. The Gypsy King and Conor McGregor. It even rhymes, doesn’t it? Double header, Gypsy King and Conor McGregor!”

Now, obviously any MMA bout Fury competed in would be massive, on account of his profile and his boxing accomplishments. But, when you consider Fury has huge, huge, boxing matches lined up, like a rematch with Fury, or potentially with Anthony Joshua, an imminent move to MMA seems somewhat unlikely.

But, Fury is signed to ESPN, which is the UFC’s broadcasting partner, so you just never know. It’s also worth noting that UFC President Dana White has said he plans to start moving with Zuffa Boxing as well. So, maybe Fury won’t be throwing hands in the cage right around the corner. But, when you consider he’s only 31, it could happen at some juncture.