MMA Legend Feels Iron Mike Tyson Could Have Been UFC Champion

Mike Tyson is best known as the youngest heavyweight boxing champion during his prime before things fell apart. As far as former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans is concerned, Iron Mike had the tools to become UFC champion had he wanted to.

Tyson and Evans are business partners, and the latter was recently asked by TMZ Sports about how the 53-year-old would have fared had he considered trying the mixed martial arts scene. Suga believes that the "The Baddest Man on the Planet" could have used his crouching position to the hilt, a move that he singles out catches opponents off-guard.

"You know when Tyson came up from that crouch position. He was coming up with those hands and that left hook, overhand right. It would've been lights out," said Evans.

The move is effective in boxing but could it work for Iron Mike had he entered the cage? Evans believes it would have made a difference and possibly pushed him to success in mixed martial arts as well.

"Oh yeah, for sure. For sure. At a young age too. That's the thing, Mike Tyson's a sponge. That's one thing I learned about Mike, Mike knows everything. Mike's gonna study everything. There's no doubt in my mind, he would've been proficient in almost every aspect of the sport just because that's the way his mind works."

This claim is bound to draw different reactions from boxing and MMA fans. Regardless, it is one of those instances of "what ifs" seeing how some athletes have crossed over the mixed martial arts scene.

Evans, a 2019 inductee, secured his release from the UFC, MMAfighting.com reported. Although he is officially retired, it appears that Suga feels he has some left in the tank. He is free to sign with any promotion moving forward.

Evans last fought at UFC 225 where he was knocked out by Anthony Smith in 53 seconds. It was the last fight of his previous deal. Looking ahead, it will be interesting which promotion will take a chance on The Ultimate Fighter 2 champion. ONE Championship could be a logical destination, seeing how the promotion is a bit lacking in heavyweight fighters.