MIKE TYSON could have been a champion of MMA 'no doubt' - as boxing legend prepares for the PFL's Challenger Series'.
Tyson, then 20, became the youngest champion heavyweight when he defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986.
Mike Tyson at his peak, pictured in 1988
Tyson, 55 years old, is one of most recognizable boxers of all times. However, he has become a fan MMA and struck a friendship UFC boss Dana White as well as Donn Davis, founder of Professional Fighters League.
Davis stated that if MMA had been as popular during Iron Mike's heyday then there was no doubt he would have ruled the cage just as much as the ring.
SunSport was told by him that Mike would have been a champion at all things.
"It's exactly how they said Lebron could have played in NFL, there's no doubt Mike could have been a champion fighter in MMA."
The PFL, MMA's only league format is composed of regular season and playoffs.
Eight weight classes of fighters are eligible to participate in the regular season, which consists of two fights. They compete for the right to move on to the play-offs.
Free Bets: Get more than PS2,000 in NEW CUSTOMER DEALSThis consists of a quarter-final round and a semi-final round in three rounds. The winner advances to the championship final.
A $1 million cash prize is up for grabs. Tyson awarded it to Kayla Harrison (31), in 2019.
Before becoming part of the PFL family, the Hall of Fame heavyweight was a friend of Davis.
Davis stated, "I've been with Mike many times over the years and it all started when I reached out to Mike.
"As a boy, I saw him fight and followed his career. My respect for him comes largely from his way of living.
"And how he has grown to be a person who accepts all, is positive about everything, and learns from everything. He has also become a great counselor for combat athletes.
"How to be a champion. What to do and not do. How to accept your destiny.
He believed everything I said about the power in fighters' hands. Mike is a great friend and advisor.
PFL introduced the 'Challenger Series' this year. It spans eight weeks and includes eight divisions. The series began on February 18th and ends April 8.
Four fights will be held per night, but only one winner will be given the PFL seasonal contract. This gives them the opportunity to fight for $1m.
The final decision is made by a four-man panel that includes Tyson.
Davis stated that there would be a panel, and not one man waving his wand to decide.
"We will have MMA experts like Tyron Woodley or Vitor Belfort, and we will have celebrity judges who are Hall of Fame boxers such as Mike Tyson.
"We'll also have champion athletes like Ray Lewis, and we're going to have interesting celebs who love the sport, Keenan Thomson, Saturday Night Live, etc.
"But, most importantly, the fans have a seat. The fourth vote is the supporters.
"So after the fights have been decided, each night will feature four fights, and the four winners will get the contract. The four judges will include celebrity judges and fans.
