When combat sports fans talk about the greatest fighters of this generation, Oleksandr Usyk is a name that immediately commands respect. Known as “The Cat,” the Ukrainian boxer has carved out one of the most impressive resumes in modern boxing. With an undefeated professional record of 24-0, Usyk has reigned as an undisputed champion in two separate weight classes, making him a rare figure in the sport.

Over the years, Usyk has beaten some of the biggest names in heavyweight and cruiserweight boxing. His victories include Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Tony Bellew—all of whom were formidable champions in their own right. These wins have cemented his place as a pound-for-pound superstar, often compared to the likes of Evander Holyfield for his ability to transition seamlessly between divisions.

Yet despite this legendary career, the 38-year-old fighter has hinted at ambitions outside the boxing ring. Recently, talks of Oleksandr Usyk in MMA have made headlines, particularly due to his verbal exchanges with YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul. While some fans see this as an exciting possibility, others, including experts from the world of mixed martial arts, aren’t convinced.

Usyk and His Desire to Compete in MMA

For years, fighters have crossed from one combat sport to another—boxers trying MMA, wrestlers trying boxing, and kickboxers testing themselves under new rulesets. The most famous example in recent memory was Conor McGregor stepping into the boxing ring against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

Usyk’s situation feels slightly different. Unlike McGregor, who was at the peak of his MMA career, Usyk is nearing the twilight of his boxing journey. This creates a sense of urgency. Fans know that if Usyk truly wants to try MMA, the window of opportunity is closing fast.

The discussion gained traction after Jake Paul, who signed with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) in 2021, reignited his MMA ambitions. Although Paul is yet to make his MMA debut, his callouts of Usyk have drawn global attention. Could Usyk really leave the comfort of the boxing ring for the unpredictability of the MMA cage?

Fedor Emelianenko’s Camp Weighs In

No voice carries more weight in MMA than the people who have trained legends of the sport. And when it comes to Fedor Emelianenko, the Russian icon known as “The Last Emperor”, his camp’s opinions are taken very seriously.

Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Fedor’s longtime striking coach Alexander Michkov gave a brutally honest assessment of Usyk’s chances in MMA. His verdict? It doesn’t look promising.

“Considering Usyk’s age, I think he has no place in MMA,” Michkov stated. He went further, suggesting that even a basic wrestler could defeat Usyk in under a minute.

For fans hoping to see a competitive MMA debut from the Ukrainian superstar, these comments are sobering. Michkov’s point underlines the vast difference between the disciplines. While Usyk’s boxing is world-class, MMA introduces skills like wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and kickboxing—areas where he has no professional experience.

Why Age Matters in Combat Sports

At 38 years old, Usyk is already performing at an elite level in boxing—a rare achievement in itself. But age plays an entirely different role in MMA, where younger, faster, and more well-rounded fighters dominate. The learning curve for grappling and cage control is steep. Even athletic fighters in their 20s struggle when transitioning from one combat sport to another.

Michkov highlighted this, noting that Usyk’s physical prime is behind him. “If his opponent is a boxer, then obviously Oleksandr has a better chance to win,” he said. “But if it’s even a kickboxer, he’s gonna have troubles.”

This sentiment reflects a reality many boxing-to-MMA crossovers face: boxing alone is not enough to succeed in the cage.

The Difference Between Boxing and MMA

To fully understand Michkov’s concerns, one must look at the key differences between the sports:

Boxing focuses exclusively on punching with a heavy emphasis on footwork, head movement, and timing.

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), on the other hand, blends striking with grappling, submissions, and clinch work. Fighters must master multiple disciplines including wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai.

Usyk is a master technician in boxing, but stepping into MMA would expose him to takedowns, kicks, knees, elbows, and submission holds—none of which are part of his training background.

Even legends like James Toney, who tried MMA after a decorated boxing career, struggled. In 2010, Toney faced Randy Couture in the UFC and was taken down almost instantly before being submitted. Michkov’s prediction that Usyk would struggle against even a “basic wrestler” echoes that infamous crossover bout.

The Jake Paul Factor

So where does Jake Paul fit into all of this? Paul, though controversial, has become one of the most talked-about figures in combat sports. His boxing career includes wins over former UFC fighters like Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz.

While many doubt Paul’s MMA potential, he has the advantage of youth (27 years old) and a growing commitment to cross-training. If Usyk were to face Paul in an MMA setting, the fight would undoubtedly draw enormous attention worldwide.

But from a competitive standpoint, the matchup raises questions. Would Paul’s limited MMA background be enough to challenge Usyk, or would Usyk’s boxing pedigree still dominate despite the rule changes?

Could Usyk Actually Succeed in MMA?

While Michkov’s comments sound harsh, it doesn’t mean Usyk has no path at all. If the fight were structured under modified rules—for example, limiting grappling or focusing on stand-up exchanges—he could hold his own. Many exhibition fights have been tailored this way to attract star athletes while minimizing risk.

But in a full MMA ruleset, the transition looks daunting. Usyk would need to dedicate years to wrestling and grappling just to become competent, something his age and boxing commitments don’t realistically allow.

Historical Lessons: Boxers in MMA

Usyk wouldn’t be the first boxer to consider MMA. History offers several cautionary tales:

Ray Mercer, a former heavyweight boxing champion, famously knocked out Tim Sylvia in an MMA fight. However, Mercer was also defeated quickly in another bout, showing the unpredictability of such crossovers.

James Toney lasted only seconds against Randy Couture, highlighting the gap between boxing and MMA skills.

Holly Holm, originally a professional boxer, successfully transitioned to MMA, even defeating Ronda Rousey. But Holm began her transition much earlier in her career, with years of kickboxing experience before entering the UFC.

These examples prove that while success is possible, it often requires time, youth, and extensive training—factors that don’t favor Usyk at this stage.

Usyk’s True Focus: Boxing Legacy

For all the speculation, the reality remains that Oleksandr Usyk’s primary legacy lies in boxing. His undisputed championships and perfect record already guarantee him a place in the Hall of Fame.

With potential fights against stars like Joseph Parker, Fabio Wardley, or even a Tyson Fury rematch, Usyk has no shortage of opportunities in the ring. His desire to test himself in MMA may be admirable, but it could also distract from what could be the final, defining years of his boxing career.

An Ambitious Dream or a Risky Gamble?

Fedor Emelianenko’s coach did not mince words in his assessment of Usyk’s MMA chances. Calling the transition nearly impossible at his age, Alexander Michkov emphasized that even a wrestler with basic skills could defeat the boxing champion.

Still, Usyk’s interest in new challenges cannot be dismissed. The crossover appeal of seeing a boxing superstar test himself in a different sport will always attract attention. But the risks—both to his reputation and potentially his health—make the move controversial.

For now, fans will continue to watch closely. Whether it’s a boxing unification bout or a shock MMA debut against Jake Paul, Oleksandr Usyk’s name guarantees excitement and debate.