I’m a huge fan of Floyd as a boxer and truly appreciate his skill in the ring, however I believe he will not do well in mixed martial arts.
Firstly, we learned from the early UFC events that it is easier for a grappler to close the distance and grab the clinch than for a striker with no grappling experience to keep the fight standing, maintain distance, and get the KO. Examples include Arthur Jimmerson vs Royce Gracie or Randy Courture vs James Toney. However, on rare occasions there are exceptions where the striker (with no grappling experience) lands a bomb and gets the KO such as Ray Mercer vs Tim Silvia, but those are not the norm.
Secondly, I believe Floyd’s boxing style would not translate well to MMA. For one, Floyd’s stance is very bladed (i.e sideways). This would make Floyd extremely susceptible to legs kicks which can be thrown just outside of punching range. These kicks can severely reduce the mobility of an opponent and can possibly end the fight. This has been proven in kickboxing organizations (such as K-1) where boxers tried to compete using only theirs hands (see Alexey Ignashov vs Arhur Williams as an example). In addition, Floyd’s shoulder roll may present his back to grapplers which makes him susceptible to be taken down. Furthermore, Floyd has a tendency to clinch which would not play well with grapplers.
Finally, Floyd is going to be 41 years old meaning that his reflexes are slowing down. It also doesn’t help that he has a history of having brittle hands and isn’t known to be a KO-puncher. Now, I’m not saying Floyd doesn’t have a puncher’s chance to win (he does), however, not having power and having weak hands severely reduces the chances of this happening.
Now, if Floyd was much younger and was cross-training in different combat sports, I think we would have a case where he can do well in MMA. However, if he stepped into the octagon with only 6months of training, I can’t see him winning.
is holzken any good? Never heard of him.
He is considered a legend in kickboxing and has been in with the best kickboxers in the world. However, he has lost the last three of his kickboxing bouts and is on the decline. He also competes in boxing but has only fought cans so far. He is a pressure fighter, but from what I have seen, he has trouble with guys who have good movement.
I predict that Nieky will definitely lose this fight considering that he isn’t a full time boxer.