Michael Jordan only 'rejected' one challenge to a one-on-one in his entire NBA career

Michael Jordan once rejected a challenge from an ex-NBA star to take part in a one-on-one match.

Jordan, 62, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest stars in NBA history, as well as being one of the most influential athletes in the world.

During his stellar career, Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards, claiming the NBA title on six occasions.

Jordan won six NBA Championships, six NBA Finals MVPs, five regular season MVPs, and one NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

In addition, he was an 11x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 14x NBA All-Star, 10x NBA Scoring Champion, and 3x NBA Steals Champion.

He also won the Olympic gold medal on two occasions, in Los Angeles in 1984 and in Barcelona in 1992.

Back in 2009, NBA star Bryon Russell challenged Jordan to a one-on-one match that would've been broadcast live on television.

However, as reported by Basketball Network, Russell stated that 'Mike "just didn't want to do it"'.

Russell's challenge came after Jordan made a joke about his former teammate, claiming if he ever saw him in basketball shorts again, he'd "come at him."

After Russell heard the joke, he hit back by saying: "I'll play his a** right now.

"This is a call-out for him… he can come out here in his private jet and come play. He's got millions of dollars. He can pay for the jet. He can meet me at the Recreation Center in Calabasas."

Michael Jordan is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Image: Getty

Jordan has previously named four players who could have got the better of him in a 1 vs 1 match due to their style of play.

As per Fadeaway World and Jumpmanhistory, Jordan said when asked about his toughest opponents during his playing days: "The hardest opponent for me to play against? In terms of 1-on-1? Small guys.

"[Allen] Iverson, Damon Stoudamire, Rod Strickland. Those little guards like that, it's tough for me. Muggsy [Bogues]. [John] Starks? No problem with Starks."