Jon Jones vs Anthony Joshua: UFC Legend Pushes for Unorthodox Clash

A Showdown No One Saw Coming

Imagine a fight card that makes your jaw drop. Among all the fantasy matchups tossed around in gyms and sports bars, few are as wild—and as fascinating—as a collision between Jon Jones and Anthony Joshua. That’s exactly what a UFC legend is calling for: a one-of-a-kind bout between the current UFC heavyweight champion and the former unified boxing champion. Sounds far-fetched? Maybe. But in the world of combat sports, crazier things have happened.

The Backstory: Crossover Fights Are Heating Up

In recent years, the line between MMA and boxing has blurred. From Conor McGregor stepping into the ring with Floyd Mayweather to Tyson Fury facing Francis Ngannou, the appetite for crossover fights has only grown. Now, it seems Jon Jones might be the latest UFC star being linked to a mega fight outside his usual arena. This time, the name on the other side of the potential showdown? None other than Anthony Joshua—the British heavyweight powerhouse with devastating knockout power and a long list of accolades.

Who’s Behind the Challenge?

Former UFC champion Michael Bisping recently lit the fuse during a conversation that echoed through the MMA community. Bisping floated the idea of Jones vs Joshua, not as a traditional UFC or boxing match, but as a unique hybrid under modified rules. The concept? Create a fight that bridges striking and grappling in a way that gives both athletes a fair shot to shine—essentially, a customized battlefield built for entertainment.

“Why Not?” – The Appeal of the Unconventional

Let’s be honest—combat sports thrive on storytelling. And when a legend like Jon Jones, known for his dominance in the octagon, is mentioned in the same sentence as Anthony Joshua, a heavyweight icon in boxing, fans take notice. Here’s what makes this all the more intriguing:

• Stylistic contrast: Joshua brings elite boxing and KO power. Jones offers unmatched versatility, grappling savvy, and tactical brilliance.
• Star power: Both fighters are global names with massive followings. A fight like this commands attention.
• New audience potential: It wouldn't just be MMA or boxing fans tuning in—it would pull in casual sports fans, too.

It’s not just about who wins—it’s about the spectacle.

Could It Actually Happen?

On paper, arranging a match between fighters from two different combat sports isn't simple. There are regulatory hurdles, promotional politics, and, of course, egos involved. But here's why it's not entirely out of the question:

• Combat sports are increasingly entertainment-driven. Fans want big moments, not just title defenses.
• Both fighters are open to lucrative opportunities—especially outside their comfort zones.
• Unique rulesets could help even the playing field and make the bout more than just a one-sided exhibition.

If the UFC and boxing promoters ever found common ground, this could be a blockbuster.

What Would the Rules Look Like?

A full MMA fight? That wouldn’t be fair to Joshua. A straight boxing match? Same issue, but for Jones. That’s why Bisping suggests “modified rules.” While nothing official has been set, imagine something like:

• No kicks, but elbows and clinch work allowed.
• Limited grappling—maybe standing only or for a specific time duration.
• A compromise between the gloves used in boxing and MMA.

Essentially, it would be a blend—designed to test both skill sets while preserving safety and fairness.

What’s Jon Jones Saying?

At this point, Jones hasn’t publicly responded to Bisping’s matchmaking suggestion. But knowing his history, Jones is never one to shy away from a challenge. In the past, he’s entertained the idea of stepping out of his comfort zone and even hinted at taking big-money fights if they made sense physically and financially. Joshua, too, has flirted with crossover talk. While his primary focus has remained in boxing, he's acknowledged the growing trend of combat sport hybrids—and probably understands the leverage a spectacle like this could bring.

Would Fans Actually Want This?

In a word: absolutely. Combat sports fans love a good “what if?” story. And this is one of the best. It taps into the timeless curiosity of comparing champions from different disciplines. Sure, there are purists who’d prefer Jones defend his title in the cage or Joshua keep hunting belts in the ring. But for the rest of us? The idea of these two colliding under funky, one-off rules is just too fun to ignore. Throw in a high-stakes build-up, a bit of trash talk, and the unpredictability factor—and you’ve got the makings of a pay-per-view smash.

The Bigger Picture

Whether or not this fight ever materializes, one thing is clear: combat sports are evolving. The days of strictly defined lanes—MMA here, boxing over there—are fading. Fans want more than rankings; they want moments. And athletes, especially the big names, are beginning to embrace this shift. If done right, crossover bouts give everyone something to cheer for—while opening the door to fresh fanbases, creative collaborations, and big paydays.

Final Thoughts

A Jon Jones vs Anthony Joshua fight is the kind of concept that sparks debate, fuels fan imaginations, and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the combat sports world. Will it happen? That’s still up in the air. But just the idea of it shows how much the game has changed. Fighters aren’t just athletes anymore—they're brands, showmen, and dream matchmakers. And with legends like Bisping leading the charge, you never know which fantasy matchup might become reality next. One thing's for sure: if Jones and Joshua ever meet under those unique rules, the world will be watching. Would you tune in?