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Terence Crawford laughs off potential fight with UFC champion | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 9:19 GMT by Sporting News
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Terence Crawford Laughs at the Idea of a UFC‑Champion Fight – What the Boxing Fanatic Really Thinks

In a surprising interview that caught the attention of both boxing and mixed‑martial‑arts (MMA) circles, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Terence Crawford brushed off rumors that he might take on a UFC champion in a one‑way boxing bout. Rather than offering a definitive “yes” or “no,” Crawford chose to laugh, hinting at a mix of skepticism and intrigue that is oddly familiar to a fan base that has long admired his in‑ring wit.

The Rumor That Sparked the Conversation

The talk began when a sports commentator suggested that Crawford could potentially face a high‑profile UFC star—most commonly Conor McGregor, who was still riding the buzz of a boxing match in 2021. Even though McGregor is no longer an active UFC champion (he lost his title to Eddie Alvarez in 2016), his name was used as shorthand for “the UFC icon.” Another possibility that fans floated was Jon Jones, the current UFC light‑heavyweight champion, because of his sheer size and charisma. In either case, the idea of a boxing‑only fight between a boxer and an MMA fighter captured the imagination of many fans, and the story quickly went viral.

Crawford’s reaction was a good mix of humility, humor, and a touch of the sharp-edged sarcasm that has become part of his public persona. In a press conference that was recorded by Sporting News and later published online, Crawford admitted that the idea was “fun to think about” but also “not realistic.”

Crawford’s Response – A Boxer's Realism

When asked whether he’d ever consider fighting an MMA fighter, Crawford replied, “I’ve never fought a mixed‑martial‑artist in a ring, so I guess I could, but it’s not how I see my future.” He went on to explain that boxing is a distinct sport, and while he respected MMA fighters for their athleticism, he was more interested in facing the best within his own discipline.

Crawford further noted that the logistics of such a match would be complex: weight classes would have to be negotiated, the fight would have to be purely boxing (no kicks or grappling), and the revenue model would need to be transparent. “If you’re going to put an MMA fighter in a ring for a boxing match, you have to talk money and you have to talk how it works,” he said, underscoring that he would need a clear contract to make it worthwhile.

He laughed again when reporters asked whether he would consider fighting Conor McGregor as a “fun experiment.” Crawford answered, “If they want to talk to me about it, I’ll hear them out. But I’ll be asking for a lot of money and a lot of respect for the sport. I’m a professional, you know.”

Why Crawford’s Reaction Matters

The conversation is more than just a joke. It reflects a growing trend in combat sports where fans are keen to see cross‑discipline matchups. The most celebrated example of this phenomenon is the highly publicized “Canelo v. McGregor” speculation, which never materialized but generated significant hype. For Crawford—who already has a clean, aggressive style and a record that includes victories over some of the most difficult opponents in the welterweight division—facing an MMA fighter would represent a completely different challenge.

Crawford’s comments also emphasize the importance of branding in the modern era. He has built his career around a reputation for disciplined training, technical proficiency, and a willingness to take on top‑ranked opponents. A misstep in a cross‑discipline fight could dilute that image. Thus, his measured, almost joking stance can be seen as a calculated way to keep fans engaged while protecting his brand.

The Bigger Picture: UFC Champions in Boxing

While Crawford’s comments were the focus of the article, the Sporting News piece also contextualized the situation by briefly touching on the UFC champions who could be potential opponents. For those unfamiliar, Jon Jones, the reigning UFC light‑heavyweight champion, has a towering presence in the sport and a reputation for being a masterful striker. Although Jones has no boxing credentials, his reputation as an intimidating figure in the octagon fuels the conversation about a “real fight” between boxing and MMA.

On the other side, Conor McGregor, although no longer a champion, remains a popular name in combat sports and has previously expressed interest in continuing to fight across disciplines. McGregor himself has suggested that he would relish the idea of a boxing match as a way to showcase his striking skills without the risk of grappling. Whether the two ever meet is still far from certain, but the speculation remains a hot topic.

Crawford’s Own Future Plans

Beyond the cross‑discipline debate, Crawford also reaffirmed his own upcoming plans. He has a scheduled title defense against the reigning WBO welterweight champion, and he has hinted at potential fights in the light‑welterweight division should he move up a weight class. The sporting article pointed to his recent training regimen, which includes a focus on speed and endurance, and highlighted his upcoming bout against a top contender. These developments illustrate that Crawford is primarily focused on adding to his legacy as a boxer, not on stepping into an MMA‑influenced ring.

Bottom Line

Terence Crawford’s laughter at the suggestion of a fight with a UFC champion reflects both the allure and the practical challenges of cross‑sport matchups. While he acknowledges that the idea could be “fun” and even entertaining to fans, he remains clear that any such fight would require a well‑structured agreement and a serious financial offer. His humor and candidness keep the conversation light, but his focus on the future remains squarely on boxing.

For the sport of boxing, Crawford’s response is a reminder that the discipline remains distinct and that the best fights are still fought against opponents who share the same rules. For fans of crossover matchups, the speculation will keep the conversation going, but whether a boxer and an MMA fighter will step into a ring together remains an open question—at least for now.