• Boxing/UFC

Tyson: I would have chosen UFC over boxing

ESPN staff
September 7, 2012
Mike Tyson was the youngest heavyweight world champion in history © Getty Images
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Mike Tyson has revealed he would have chosen MMA over boxing if there had been enough money in the sport when he first started out.

Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, unified the division at the age of 20, but believes his skills are better suited to the UFC.

When the UFC debuted in 1993, Tyson was already the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion. But if the UFC was as lucrative back in the 90s as it is nowadays, Tyson said he would have no hesitations stepping into the Octagon.

"If they (MMA) had big paydays, yes, no doubt about it," Tyson told This is 50. "I want to slam them, I want to hold them, I want to choke them. That's what you want to do anyway if you're in a street fight right?

"You want to hit them, but you want to get them too, real good. Get them down, get on top of them. So, you have more aspects. If it's not working this way, you can kick them in the f***ing head, you know."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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