Starting the new decade in fighting: Big events scheduled for the start of 2020

BY MARCEL MARIAK

With the start of a new decade just around the corner, there’s much to be excited about. Almost everyone is filled with anticipation for what the coming year might bring… But nothing can match the sheer thrill of boxing and MMA fans when they look at what the New Year has in store for them.

Floyd Mayweather in the UFC?!
Fight fans were shocked when 42-year old boxing legend, Floyd “Money” Mayweather announced that he was not only coming back out of retirement, but was discussing a potential business collaboration with UFC president, Dana White. It has now come to light that, while an amusing idea, Mayweather is not looking to don MMA gloves and become a UFC fighter; but instead considering a boxing match with UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both fighters are undefeated with Khabib sporting an impressive 28-0-0 record in the octagon, and Mayweather holding a legendary 50-0-0 record in the boxing ring. Khabib is best known for his wrestling and ground and pound game; often finishing his fights by TKO or submission after forcing his opponent to the canvas and unloading a barrage of strikes. His tendency to take fights to the ground leaves fans doubtful of his ability to take on a boxing legend in a fisticuffs-only competition. Regardless of the doubters, both competitors seem eager to fight, with Floyd Mayweather commenting, “MGM Grand, get that check book ready… we’re fighting.” Lloyd Mayweather made an impact in the fight community in August of 2017, when he defeated former UFC double champ, The Notorious Connor McGregor, in a boxing match. This fight between Floyd and Khabib could not only be the biggest combat sport event of the coming year, but finally settle the age long “MMA vs Boxing Debate”. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: one of the fighters will have their perfect record ruined, making this event much more than just another boxing match, but a matter of honour and reputation for two legendary warriors.

The Connor McGregor takes on cowboy
Connor McGregor has had his fair share of ups and downs: from becoming the highest paid fighter in the world and UFC double champ; to running his mouth, throwing shipping equipment at bus windows, and punching elders in pubs for refusing to drink his brand of Irish whiskey. The controversial mixed martial artist announced his retirement in early 2019 after a loss to current UFC lightweight champion: Khabib Nurmagomedov. Throughout his entire career, McGregor became known for his scandals, legal troubles, and assault charges. Following his retirement, McGregor’s world seemed to begin falling apart. Although he became almost completely irrelevant in the MMA community, his bad behaviour continued and he seemed out of the fight game for good.

While McGregor was at a news conference in Moscow, he shocked fans by announcing his return to MMA, scheduled for January 18^th in Las Vegas. McGregor plans to take on aging fighter, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Cowboy will go into the fight with a 36-13-0 record, and McGregor will fight with a 25-4 record. In his typical fashion, Connor McGregor has already begun his signature talk; but instead of leading with profanity and aggression, he simply wished Donald happy holidays.

While the two fighters are not fighting for a championship belt, the fight is still expected to be a main event; and if Connor McGregor continues his usual showmanship, this can easily become a legendary showdown with record number pay-per-view ratings.