Mike Tyson Gives Brutally Honest Reason Why He'd Have Never Considered A UFC Fight In His Prime

Mike Tyson's recent comment about the UFC might not sit well with Dana White.

Tyson, 58, is set to return to the ring in 2026 against fellow boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. 'Iron' Mike's last fight was back in 2024, where he lost to Jake Paul via unanimous decision.

Fans and experts have been critical of Tyson's decision to continue fighting at this age, as he has looked a shadow of himself in recent times. However, due to his name value, Tyson continues to make the big bucks, as he did throughout his professional career.

Tyson was recently asked why he never fought in the UFC. His response makes a valid point, while also pointing the finger at the UFC's pay structure.

Tyson claimed he wouldn't consider a move to the UFC as the top five biggest earners combined couldn't match what he made per fight boxing. He said:

"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."

- Mike Tyson

Tyson achieved a long list of accolades throughout his career and remains the youngest heavyweight champion in history. There was a time when Tyson was considered untouchable as he was knocking world class heavyweights out left and right.

Apart from that, MMA and the UFC was nowhere near as big back then compared to where it is now. Hence, it's hard to imagine him considering a move to the sport by leaving boxing's glory division at a time when boxing was one of the biggest sports.

Tyson's recent comments, though, might hit a nerve with Dana White. The UFC CEO has often faced criticism for fighter pay and fans might not turn this opportunity down to take another shot at hi

Physically, Mayweather is a much smaller fighter than Tyson. He is 48 and a decade younger than him. Fans were taken aback when the exhibition bout was announced, and Tyson also claimed that he was surprised that 'Money' 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."

Browns naming Shedeur Sanders QB2 unlikely to change playing situation

After it was announced that rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel had officially been named the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, there were a lot of questions about why fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders wasn’t moving up the depth chart, as well. 

With only two healthy quarterbacks on the roster, though, head coach Kevin Stefanski told the media that Sanders would be the primary backup.

Browns had good reason to keep Shedeur Sanders low on the depth chart

We covered the reason that Sanders hadn’t been named QB2 when team’s initial starter Joe Flacco was demoted. Essentially, Cleveland didn’t want Sanders’ introduction to the NFL to be him running an offensive game plan designed for a shorter, shiftier, left-handed quarterback in a desperation setting. 

Not wanting to see Sanders struggle early, the Browns resolved to keep him off the field unless he was ready to run a game plan designed around his capabilities.

This thought process led the team to keep Flacco ahead of Sanders on the depth chart, thinking that Flacco’s leadership and experience would make him more well-suited to the uncomfortable situation of running an unfamiliar offensive game plan than Sanders. But then, a surprise trade removed Flacco as an option as he made his way southwest to Cincinnati.

Even with Flacco out of the picture, though, the Browns weren’t quite ready to commit to naming Sanders the primary backup behind Gabriel, likely for the same reason as previously mentioned. The primary Browns starter, Deshaun Watson, remains on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, where he’s likely to remain as he recovers from multiple tears to his Achilles tendon, but there was one other option.

Browns were considering another QB to be No. 2

Practice squad quarterback Bailey Zappe was the other name in consideration for the QB2 role. Zappe started eight games over his first two years in the league with the Patriots and even got a start in Cleveland last year. While he may not give the Browns a better chance at winning than Sanders, his use as a backup would protect Sanders from having to run Gabriel’s offense in his first NFL snaps.

Ultimately, Sanders got the job. It’s hard to say whether it was Sanders who advocated to play regardless of the offensive game plan or if the coaches resolved finally to just put their best arms on the field. Regardless, the first man off the bench behind Gabriel will be his draft classmate taken two rounds later.

Dillon Gabriel's starting job not in jeopardy

Gabriel shouldn’t have to worry about his own job, though. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Gabriel is expected to get a pretty “lengthy run” as the starter. Even with Sanders rising in the ranks behind him, Gabriel should have a fairly long lead with which he can find his sea legs. Sanders may get a run of his own down the line, but for now, he’ll be available off the sideline in case of injury.

 

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