UFC legend Tito Ortiz has revealed he's been approached for a Mike Tyson comeback fight and believes the matchup can "double" figures that Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather achieved back in 2017.
Buzz around a return to the ring for Tyson has been a hot topic of late, and speculation ramped up another notch on Monday when Ortiz confirmed he had been in talks with the former heavyweight champion's camp.
The 45-year-old UFC Hall of Famer said he was offered the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Tyson but was unsure over the finer details of the cross-code fight.
"It hasn't even got that far," Ortiz told TMZ Sports. "I think that we've both got to be cleared by the athletic commissions — that's the biggest thing.
"But either-or. I did boxing for 20 years, man. My boxing skills have gotten better and better.
"They might not be at the same level as Tyson, but has Tyson been punched in the face in the last 15 years? No, he hasn't. And I've been able to subdue everyone I've competed against over the last four years."
The UFC veteran has fought three times in the last three years, coming out victorious over the likes of Chael Sonnen, Chuck Liddell, and Alberto Rodriguez.
It's still yet to be seen that if, at 53-years-old, Tyson is capable of bringing the crushing power that saw him sit atop the throne of boxing, but Ortiz said he was up for the challenge.
"I respect Mike," Ortiz said. "Mike is an amazing man. He's an amazing individual in general, just what he's gone through and what he's (become).
"I've got to give him nothing but respect. I'm not trying to disrespect him at all with anything I say from this point out on. I really want to let him know, Mike, you are the man. You are one of the best in the world. But I was one of the best in the world at my own game, too."
Should the matchup come to fruition, Ortiz believed the crossover fight could "double" what Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather did back in 2017.
"I think we can double that," Ortiz said.
"I just think it would be amazing, it would be fun. I think it would be a great opportunity for both of our brands."
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