Deontay Wilder Reacts To The Idea Of Setting Up A Potential MMA Crossover Fight

Deontay Wilder has opened up about the possibility of making a sensational switch to MMA after boxing and insisted the transition period wouldn't "take much time."

The 34-year-old WBC champ notched up his 42nd victory last month with a stunning KO victory over Luis Ortiz in Las Vegas.

Speaking after his rematch with Ortiz, Wilder touched on his devastating punching power and potentially setting up a crossover fight with the likes of Stipe Miocic or Francis Ngannou.

When he was asked if he would take up a fight with either UFC star later in his career, the 'Bronze Bomber' told Tha Boxing Voice: "If the fans have a lot of interest and it's later in my career, why not?

"Maybe after I retire I'll go into MMA. Imagine me with eight- or four-ounce gloves?

"It won't take much time for me to learn the wrestling techniques -- I'm a quick learner.

"If the fans want me to fight Ngannou, I'll beat his a**e in boxing and then I'll crossover to his world.

"But for now, it's just a fantasy and I gotta focus on boxing."

Wilder has previously slammed the idea of doing a crossover fight with Conor McGregor after responding to a fan's question.

The KO artist is now scheduled to rematch Tyson Fury on 22nd February 2020, but he has revealed that his plans include setting up a unification bout at some point next year.

But Wilder has dismissed the idea that he must become a unified world champ to become a Hall of Famer, saying he is the "hardest-hitting puncher in boxing history."

The WBC kingpin explained: "I've said it before: I'm bound for the HOF right now.

"With my knockout percentage and the record that I have, I'm definitely in there, for sure.

"I'm the hardest-hitting puncher in boxing history.

"You got a lot of other guys in the HOF that you wonder how they got in there, so I can definitely get in.

"I want to accomplish more than just getting in the Hall of Fame. If people don't think I'm in the HOF right now, then that's fine.

"I got six more years to leave no doubt. By the time my 41st birthday rolls around, then I'm out, farewell.

"I'm not gonna be one of those fighters that [comes] back, even if you offer me money. When I leave I want people to say, 'You did it right.'"

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Bronze Bomber, Boxing News, UFC News, MMA News, Boxing, Deontay Wilder, MMA

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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