Well, although Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a much broader discipline of striking-based combat, boxing is undoubtedly a strong and formidable subset of it. Over the past few decades, numerous prominent MMA fighters have chosen to make path-breaking transitions and switch to professional boxing for diverse reasons. Well, since these MMA fighters already have a fan base of the millions, the crossover events often end up generating hype, PPV sales, and mainstream media coverage for the boxing promoters.
In this article we will take a look at the top four MMA fighters who have made successful transitions into boxing over the years.
Top 4 MMA Fighters Who Made Successful Transitions to Boxing
Conor McGregor
The Irish professional mixed martial artist and boxer, Conor McGregor, is at the first spot in our list of the top four infamous MMA fighters who made a spine-chilling transition into the professional boxing arena. Conor McGregor is often hailed as one of the most lethal combat athletes in the world and is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight and Lightweight Champion, becoming the first UFC fighter to hold UFC championships in two weight classes simultaneously.
The Irish MMA stalwart Conor McGregor switched from MMA to boxing in 2017 for a highly publicized bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. As per reports, McGregor earned over $100 million, far more than he has ever made in the UFC.
Vitor Belfort
At the second spot in our list of the top four MMA fighters who have made successful transitions into boxing over the years, we have the 48-year-old Brazilian professional boxer and retired mixed martial artist, Vitor Belfort, who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
After retiring from MMA in 2018 following a KO loss to Lyoto Machida, the Brazilian MMA fighter switched to boxing and took part in various lucrative exhibition fights against numerous prominent professional boxers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Josemario Neves and Evander Holyfield. As of May 2025, Vitor Belfort holds a career boxing record of two wins (2 by KO) and 0 losses.
Anderson Silva
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four infamous MMA fighters who made a spine-chilling transition into the professional boxing arena, we have another Brazilian mixed martial artist and professional boxer, Anderson Silva, who is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history at 2,457 days. After entirely dominating the cage for years, Anderson Silva switched from MMA to boxing in 2020.
Over the years, Anderson Silva has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the field of boxing and delivered sensational bouts inside the ring against numerous boxing legends, including Julio César Chávez Jr., Tito Ortiz and Jake Paul. As of May 2025, Anderson Silva holds a career boxing record of 3 wins (2 KOs) and two losses, speaking volumes about his dominant boxing exploits.
Fábio Maldonado
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four MMA fighters who have made successful transitions into boxing over the years, we have the Brazilian professional mixed martial artist and boxer, Fàbio Maldonado, who made his professional mixed martial arts debut in September 2000 and also began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu the same year.
After his release from the UFC, Maldonado returned to professional boxing and clinched his return fight with a round 1 TKO over Robson Bambu. As of May 2025, Fàbio Maldonado has a KO ratio of over 90% and a career record of 28 wins (27 KOs) and three losses, speaking volumes about his dominance inside the boxing ring.
