Anthony Joshua eyes MMA ambitions, wants 'big name' opponent

British boxing star Anthony Joshua is contemplating a move into mixed martial arts, driven by both a desire for new challenges and the lucrative potential of crossover fights. Having conquered much of the boxing world, including a decisive knockout victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March 2024, Joshua is open to testing his skills in the octagon.

"Believe me, I've thought about it. Why shouldn't I try my hand on their turf when they keep coming onto ours?" Joshua stated, referencing the increasing trend of MMA fighters entering boxing matches. This sentiment comes after his impressive performance against Ngannou, who had previously given Tyson Fury a tough fight. Joshua's dominant display highlighted a significant skill gap and reinforced his standing in the heavyweight division.

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Believe me, I've thought about it. Why shouldn't I try my hand on their turf when they keep coming onto ours?

Joshua, who plans to box until around age 40, sees MMA as a potential next step. He emphasized that any foray into a new combat sport would need to be a major event. "I want a big name for an opponent. That would then mean it's a big business," he said. He believes such a move is feasible and could be the "next big thing" audiences want to see, underscoring the financial allure of high-profile bouts between stars from different disciplines.

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I want a big name for an opponent. That would then mean it's a big business.