Dustin Poirier has expressed interest in seeing Gervonta Davis transition from boxing to MMA, proposing a fight between Davis and former <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. This call comes amid uncertainty surrounding Davis’ boxing career following his recent legal troubles and a disappointing rematch outcome.
Dustin Poirier Proposes Sean O’Malley as Davis’ MMA Opponent
Dustin Poirier, who recently retired as an interim UFC lightweight champion, suggested that Gervonta Davis should cross over into MMA and compete against Sean O’Malley. Poirier remarked on the ongoing trend of MMA fighters switching to boxing and expressed eagerness to see boxers take on MMA athletes.
The MMA guys have gone over to boxing, I’d love to see some boxing guys come over to MMA. Put Gervonta Davis in there with ‘Suga’ Sean. Throw a couple of leg kicks, see how that goes.
—Dustin Poirier, Former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion
Additionally, Poirier highlighted Terence “Bud” Crawford as another boxer with potential to succeed in MMA due to his wrestling background. Poirier is particularly excited about Crawford’s upcoming bout against Canelo Alvarez on September 13, viewing it as a test of Crawford’s adaptability.
‘Bud’s another great one too. And I am super excited for his fight against Canelo coming up. Yeah, see if his wrestling can hold up [in MMA].
—Dustin Poirier, Former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion
The crossover between the two combat sports has been marked by figures such as Conor McGregor, who fought Floyd Mayweather in a high-profile boxing match in 2017. Since then, notable MMA fighters including Darren Till, Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, Luke Rockhold, and Tony Ferguson have pursued boxing matches. O’Malley himself has experience in boxing, winning a fight by knockout earlier in his career.
In contrast, attempts by boxers to transition to MMA have been limited and less successful. One known case is James “Lights Out” Toney, who fought Randy Couture at UFC 110 in 2010 but was quickly submitted in the first round.
Ryan Garcia Confident He Could Defeat O’Malley in MMA Despite No Fight Materializing
Ryan Garcia, who previously faced Gervonta Davis in boxing, has also voiced his belief that he could defeat Sean O’Malley in the UFC. Garcia expressed willingness to switch to MMA to test himself against top talent like O’Malley.
I know I’m going to knock him out in boxing, that’s not even fair. What is fair is to test myself in MMA.
—Ryan Garcia, Boxer
I’ve already got people that are connected to Dana to ask him, let’s do this. I’ll come to UFC, pay me a bag, I’m there.
—Ryan Garcia, Boxer
I will come with everything I have and I will destroy Sean O’Malley. In the UFC.
—Ryan Garcia, Boxer
Despite Garcia’s confidence, a crossover fight between him and O’Malley in MMA has yet to come to fruition. Garcia was recently defeated by Rolly Romero, while O’Malley has suffered two losses against Merab Dvalishvili.
Current Status of Gervonta Davis and Future Possibilities
Gervonta Davis’ boxing career is currently uncertain following his arrest last month on domestic violence charges involving his ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his children. He was released shortly after, though recent reports from Lamont Roach, his opponent in a majority draw fight in March, indicate that a rematch seems unlikely to occur.
The ongoing speculation around Davis’ career combined with Poirier’s call for an MMA challenge highlights growing interest in seeing Davis test his skills beyond boxing. Such a crossover fight would represent a significant moment for both sports, potentially expanding Davis’ audience and offering fans a rare boxing-to-MMA matchup against a top contender like Sean O’Malley.
With MMA fighters continuing to explore boxing and established boxers encouraged to try MMA, this proposed showdown could influence future crossover events and redefine boundaries between the two combat sports.