UFC Veteran Also Wants To Fight Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather In Boxing

A former UFC star also wants to try pro boxing and fight Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Francis “Cisco” Rivera was a former UFC bantamweight star who fought boasts 11 wins under his name. 8 of Rivera’s wins came by way of knockout and he has been vocal about not wanting to take his fights to the ground. Following Conor McGregor’s epic UFC return and call for another boxing match, Rivera weighed in on the matter and stated he also wanted to try pro boxing.

Speaking on Elie Seckbach’s podcast, Rivera was asked about his thoughts on the recent norm in combat sports – MMA fighters calling out pro boxers. According to the UFC veteran, fighters are now focused on the “money fights” and people are buying it. Rivera also noted that belts don’t really matter anymore these days.

“The belts don’t really matter anymore. People want to see a good fight,” Rivera stated.

When asked about how he would be able to beat McGregor should he be given a chance to share the octagon with the UFC star, Rivera chose to stay in his comfort zone and said that he will “just stand in front of McGregor and trade punches.”

“(I’ll) just stand in front of him and just let my hands go. I definitely wouldn’t back up (like) how Cowboy did and clinch him,” Rivera explained.

Prior to his UFC return, McGregor has already been straight-forward with his plan to fight Mayweather and Pacquiao. When asked if he thinks “The Notorious” is serious about pursuing boxing, Rivera replied that he is not sure about McGregor before revealing that he also wants a piece of either Pacquiao and Mayweather inside the ring.

“I love boxing. I would like to have a boxing match and see how I do,” Rivera said about possible fight with Pacquiao or Mayweather.

In relation to Maywaether and Pacquiao’s recent mocking of McGregor on social media, Rivera thinks that the two legendary boxers are also after the money. As per the 38-year-old fighter, Pacquiao and Mayweather likes to fight McGregor because they know it’s going to be an easy fight.

“Because that’s the money fight. That’s what people want to see. It’s easy for them as a boxer. They feel like (fighting) Conor is the easiest payday and they’re gonna win, They’re too fast and too smart,” Rivera said about Mayweather and Pacquiao’s interest to fight McGregor.