Anthony Joshua has achieved almost everything possible inside the boxing ring. Now, the former heavyweight champion is openly considering a move into MMA.
The British superstar has already experienced the other side of a combat sports crossover after brutally knocking out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the second round of their boxing match in March 2024. Now, fresh off a victory over influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul, Joshua believes it might be time for boxers to return the favor and step into another combat sport.
Speaking on the Mr. Verzace podcast, Anthony Joshua admitted that the idea of crossing over into MMA has crossed his mind.
“Believe me, I was thinking, why don’t I step over into one of their territories because they keep on coming to our territory?” Joshua said.
“Obviously, this is big business. It’s big boxing, it’s heavyweight boxing. You are talking about the best in their chosen field. MMA, kickboxing. These aren’t amateurs, these are actually experienced fighters. It would be good if one of us went into that side and we see how we get on over there.”
Joshua’s comments come as crossover fights continue to gain momentum across combat sports. One of the biggest examples came when longtime kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven faced heavyweight boxing great Oleksandr Usyk in one of the most talked-about bouts of 2026.
While crossover fights often generate massive interest, Joshua believes boxing remains the pinnacle of combat sports. Even so, he sees value in testing himself outside his comfort zone.
“So even if, let’s say, Anthony Joshua — speaking in third person — was to cross over into MMA, it wouldn’t be as big as them coming over into boxing,” Joshua said. “Boxing is just the pinnacle of combat sport.”
Joshua made it clear that if he ever takes the leap into MMA or kickboxing, he would only do so against a major name.
“100 percent [I’d want a name opponent],” Joshua continued. “So that means it’s big business then. MMA, kickboxing, or boxing. It can be done, I believe it should be done. I think that will be the next thing that we want to see.”
Before any potential MMA crossover can happen, Anthony Joshua remains focused on boxing. The former two-time heavyweight champion is scheduled to return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Joshua has not competed since stopping Jake Paul, and many expect him to emerge from the Prenga fight with another victory. That could pave the way for the long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.
With Joshua approaching the latter stages of his career, fans continue to speculate about what’s next. While a blockbuster clash with Fury remains the immediate focus, the British star has made it clear that an MMA crossover is no longer just a fantasy.
History shows that such moves can produce mixed results. Former boxing champion Holly Holm successfully transitioned to MMA and became a UFC champion after defeating Ronda Rousey. On the other hand, former boxing world champion James Toney endured a difficult UFC debut when Randy Couture submitted him in the opening round.
Still, Joshua remains intrigued by the possibility.
“So there’s been a case study where someone like James has crossed over into it,” Joshua said.“There has been, actually, but I was thinking about it. Those guys keep on coming over into our territory. It will be interesting to see who the first one will be to cross over into their territory.”
For now, Anthony Joshua remains focused on boxing. But if his recent comments are any indication, the heavyweight star may not be finished exploring new challenges before his fighting career comes to an end.
