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Usyk Eyes MMA Showdown with Jones, Shifts Focus

3/17/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Oleksandr Usyk expresses interest in a potential MMA bout with Jon Jones, shifting from a planned bout with Jake Paul.
Usyk faces Rico Verhoeven on May 23, returning after defeating Daniel Dubois.
His team says a Jones clash could be major and asks who is the 'baddest man on the planet'.
Jones has not fought since 2024 and seeks release from his UFC contract after hip issues.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural UFC event on November 12, 1993, in Denver, Colorado, marked a pivotal moment in combat sports by introducing mixed martial arts (MMA) to a wider audience. Promoter Art Davie aimed to showcase various fighting styles, culminating in Royce Gracie's victory. Today, the blending of boxing and MMA, as seen in Oleksandr Usyk's interest in fighting Jon Jones, continues to evolve the sport and engage fans.

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Story summary

Oleksandr Usyk expresses interest in a potential MMA bout with Jon Jones, shifting from a planned bout with Jake Paul.
Usyk faces Rico Verhoeven on May 23, returning after defeating Daniel Dubois.
His team says a Jones clash could be major and asks who is the 'baddest man on the planet'.
Jones has not fought since 2024 and seeks release from his UFC contract after hip issues.

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