Terrence Crawford, 38, is unlikely to make a move into the UFC Octagon. Widely celebrated as one of boxing’s greatest, Crawford made history in 2025 by defeating Canelo Alvarez, climbing two weight classes to become the first male fighter in the four-belt era to claim undisputed championships in three divisions. Recently, he announced his retirement from boxing, citing a lack of challengers and feeling he has nothing left to prove.
Though some doubt the sincerity of his retirement, it seems unlikely Crawford will transition to MMA, especially given his consistent comments about the sport’s pay scale. Ahead of his bout with Alvarez, Crawford dismissed any crossover to MMA, emphasizing that the financial rewards don’t measure up. In a chat with influencer Adin Ross, Crawford made it clear he has no interest in MMA, highlighting the extreme physical demands and lower pay compared to boxing. This viewpoint echoes what he said back in 2016, where he expressed skepticism about MMA fighters’ compensation despite the risks they face.
Fan Take: Crawford’s steadfast stance on MMA pay highlights ongoing debates about fighter compensation in combat sports. For fans, his retirement marks the end of an era in boxing while also underscoring the challenges MMA still faces in attracting established boxing talent.
