Mike Tyson has once again reminded the world why his name remains synonymous with boxing superstardom.
The former heavyweight world champion was asked recently whether he would have ever considered a career in mixed martial arts, but Tyson was quick to dismiss the thought entirely. Known for his explosive power and unmatched drawing ability during the 1980s and 1990s, “Iron Mike” made it clear that no MMA paycheck could have tempted him away from the boxing ring.
“When I was fighting, even five of the biggest UFC guys together couldn’t match what I made,” Tyson said. “I was the show. The biggest purse was always mine.”
During his prime, Tyson routinely earned between $10 and $30 million per fight, with marquee bouts like his clashes against Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis pulling in astronomical numbers by comparison to most MMA events. He explained that his mindset was never about competing for attention — it was about owning it.
“I didn’t negotiate to be on someone’s card,” Tyson added. “I was the card.”
The boxing legend’s comments highlight a long-standing pay disparity between elite-level boxing and the UFC, one that continues to be debated as MMA grows in global popularity. Still, Tyson remains unbothered, confident that his era’s spectacle and financial rewards were in a league of their own.
The discussion follows renewed interest in crossover comparisons as fighters like Jake Paul continue to bridge the gap between boxing and mixed martial arts audiences.
