Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will go at it this weekend in a huge heavyweight encounter that will see boxing and MMA collide yet again.
This global event sees Fury, boxing’s leading heavyweight, welcome Ngannou to a new sport following a successful run in the UFC where he held the company’s top prize.
Here, DAZN looks at some previous encounters where boxing and MMA stars have ended up in the same ring or cage together.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, 2017
One of the biggest fight events in history that done huge box office business was Floyd Mayweather’s bout with Conor McGregor.
Mayweather had seemingly walked away from boxing in 2015 following a successful year that saw him defeat Manny Pacquiao and Andre Berto.
Some were not convinced that his retirement was genuine, but all were surprised when his comeback opponent was announced as UFC superstar, Conor McGregor.
Following an incredible build-up that included a global press tour, Mayweather was too good for McGregor as he toyed with the Irish fighter before stopping him in the fight’s tenth round.
James Toney vs. Randy Couture, 2010
After an amazing career that saw him collect many world titles and share the ring with several Hall of Famers, James Toney, showing no signs of leaving the fight game, signed to UFC in 2010.
In his first bout with the Las Vegas based organisation, Toney was thrown in at the deep end against the experienced Randy Couture, and what happened next proved why the two sports are so different despite the many comparisons.
Toney was taken down almost immediately and Couture wasted no time in finishing the job as he forced the Michigan man to submit. Toney was released by the UFC shortly after.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Anderson Silva, 2021
Few gave Anderson Silva much chance when he challenged Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a boxing match in 2021.
Chavez Jr., the son of Mexican icon, Chavez Sr., had been a world champion in his chosen sport and had defeated some quality names such as John Duddy and Andy Lee.
Silva entered the bout with a wealth of MMA experience, but it was clear early on he was competing well against Chavez.
Silva was declared the winner via split decision after eight close rounds, and the result caused some embarrassment to a family who had made their name through boxing.