The last time fans saw Tyrone Spong in action, the result was a horrific injury. Now, UFC President Dana White is hinting that the next time we see Spong fight, it could be inside the Octagon.
While speaking at the post-fight press conference for UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Brandao, White surprised everyone by saying “The King of the Ring” Spong was in the building.
“I’ve got Tyrone Spong back here telling me, ‘Sign me for one fight,'” White said.
Spong last competed under the Glory promotion and suffered a tragic injury, snapping his leg in nearly identical fashion to what happened to former UFC champ Anderson Silva. Spong‘s injury came against his kickboxing rival Gokhan Saki.
The kickboxing great has only competed in two MMA bouts but was able to pick up two decisive victories in the World Series of Fighting promotion.
Spong has become a multisport star since crossing over to MMA. Kickboxing fans have known about the talented fighter for years, but it wasn’t until Spong fought at WSOF 1 in 2012 and Glory signed a TV deal with Spike TV that his popularity exploded within the MMA community.
Although Spong currently has a deal with the WSOF, it’s become pretty clear that the WSOF has no qualms about working with the UFC if the world’s top promotion wants a particular fighter.
He’ll obviously be on the sidelines for an extended period of time due to the leg injury, but getting Spong to appear on a UFC card would be a huge event for the promotion. There’s no shortage of highlight-reel moments to feature in the lead-up to a potential UFC debut.
Spong also has the benefit of working with one of the best MMA camps in the world, The Blackzilians. Training with fellow light heavyweights Rashad Evans and Anthony Johnson would give Spong the necessary preparation for a fight in the UFC.
The trade-off to Spong appearing in the UFC would be the fact he wouldn’t be able to compete in kickboxing events. Given that he has only appeared semi-interested in an MMA career, it might not make a lot of sense for him to give up his ability to compete in both MMA and kickboxing at the same time.
After all, Spong was even expressing interest in professional boxing prior to his fight with Saki. All those other avenues of competing in combat sports would be closed off with a UFC contract.
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