

Oleksandr Usyk, a boxing superstar and multiple world champion, is preparing for his retirement. Surprisingly, UFC champion Alex Pereira seems to be involved in his final plans. In a recent interview with ‘TNT Sports,’ the Ukrainian boxer confirmed the news originally published by ‘Sky Sports’ that he plans to fight only two more times before retiring. However, when asked which opponents he would choose to face in his final two fights, Usyk named Alex Pereira as one of his top picks. He said, “First is, who wins the next [Dubois or Parker] fight on February 22? Next maybe a ‘show fight’ with Alex Pereira. Maybe. Why not? Alex wants to.”
This news had the fight world buzzing, and many fans cannot wait to see if the two legends of the sport trade blows inside the ring. However, if this super fight materializes, it would be that the two major sports can and will witness more such events. So, what other UFC vs. boxing fights can we get to see in 2025? Well, we took the help of AI to find out the answer to who will fight next, and how the dream match will play out. So, without further ado, let’s find out!
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Sean O’Malley vs. Gervonta Davis (Boxing Only)
Sean O’Malley has often shown an interest in boxing, but facing Gervonta Davis would be a nightmare for the UFC Bantamweight Champion. In MMA, O’Malley strikes with precision and has outstanding range control, creative angles, and knockout power. However, boxing is a different discipline, and against an elite technician like Davis, those advantages would be gone in a minute. As per AI, Gervonta Davis will win this bout, purely based on significant differences in footwork, defensive movement, and overall boxing IQ.

via Imago
Credits: Imago
While O’Malley’s reach and awkward technique may help him stay competitive in the early rounds, Davis’ ability to analyze opponents, cut off the ring, and react with devastating accuracy may finally overwhelm him. The sheer difference in experience—Gervonta Davis being a lifetime boxer and ‘Sugar’ transitioning from MMA—would be too great to overcome. After gradually breaking down the UFC fighter, AI predicts Davis will win by knockout, most likely in the middle to late rounds.
Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder (Boxing & MMA—Two-Fight Deal)
Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder, a long-rumored dream matchup, would be one of the most interesting cross-sport battles in combat sports history. Seeing how Ngannou has revealed his intention to fight him, combat fans might get the duo trading blows in 2025. But how will it play out? With both fighters having devastating knockout power, the outcome would be dependent on whether they fought in a boxing ring or an MMA cage.
In boxing, AI predicts Wilder will surely have a decisive advantage. Despite Ngannou’s unexpected performance against Tyson Fury, Wilder’s experience, speed, and technical perfection would make a significant difference. The former UFC heavyweight’s raw power is always a threat, but Deontay Wilder’s ability to hit a knockout shot from any angle will most certainly secure him a victory.
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Could Usyk vs. Pereira redefine cross-sport battles, or is it just a fantasy fight?
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So, AI predicts Wilder wins via knockout, probably in the early rounds, before Ngannou can make any adjustments. However, if the fight was held under MMA regulations, the tables would change dramatically. ‘The Predator,’ with his improved grappling skills and ability to impose his physicality, would crush Wilder in a cage. As per AI, Ngannou is going to use clinch work, wrestling, or simply his superior skill to fight in close quarters to finish Wilder early. Whether through takedowns or dirty boxing, Ngannou would dominate within a round, illustrating the vast contrast between an MMA fighter and a pure boxer when the rules are modified.
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Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury (Boxing & Hybrid Rules Possibility)
Jon Jones and Tyson Fury have been talking about fighting for years, but the rules of the match would decide everything. If it were a boxing match, AI would greatly prefer Fury. His stature, defensive abilities, and range control would make for an easy night. The reigning UFC heavyweight champion may have awkward striking that causes uncertainty early on, but Tyson Fury’s expertise in facing world-class heavyweights will allow him to adjust quickly. As a result, AI believes that Fury will win by unanimous decision or late stoppage.
Tyson Fury said he won’t fight Jon Jones because he doesn’t roll around on the ground. When you see him get taken down by Darren Till, I can’t blame him. 😂 pic.twitter.com/fsjiVdDoat
— Blaine Henry (@BlaineHenryTFL) May 25, 2023
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However, the idea of a hybrid rules fight has the potential to completely transform the scenario. Given Saudi Arabia’s rising interest in combat sports, a fight with modified rules—such as boxing with MMA gloves or permitting clinch work—could happen.
If clinching, elbows, and even some grappling were permitted, Jones’ versatility could provide him with a real opportunity. So, AI predicts that in a hybrid bout in which Fury’s ability to tie up and delay is limited, ‘Bones’ could tire him down and pull off an upset. However, in traditional boxing, Tyson Fury remains the obvious favorite. But what do you think? Do you agree with the predictions? Which other fight apart from Alex Pereira and Oleksandr Usyk do you see happening? Let us know in the comments.
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Could Usyk vs. Pereira redefine cross-sport battles, or is it just a fantasy fight?