Chisora to fight in MMA before meeting Usyk?

In an interesting twist of trying to get back in fighting action, British Heavyweight contender, Dereck Chisora, is suggesting that he may step into an MMA octagon. And this is, while waiting to fight former Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champ, Oleksandr Usyk, later this year.

It’s tough to say how much validity should be put in Chisora told ESPN Saturday about not wanting to fight Usyk in the short-term without fans present?

“If the date doesn’t come up for Usyk I think I will be doing Bellator in July while I wait. I’m going in the Octagon and we are talking to them [Bellator] at the minute and it might happen in July in the U.K.”

Bellator is the lesser organization to Dana White’s ultra popular, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which primarily fights in the U.S.

Chisora, who is known for making outlandish claims and suggestions previously, told ESPN he’s been working with MMA former fighters and trainers in London recently. And elaborated here,

I’ve been [MMA] training for two and half years at London Shootfighters in Wembley with Alex Demetriades. I can do the MMA while I wait for the Usyk fight. It will be doing both at the same time.”

The 36 year old Chisora is 32-9 and hasn’t won a really significant fight, since Dillian Whyte knocked him out in December of 2018. And, that was the second time Whyte had beaten Chisora in their careers. His last action was also last October of last year, when “War” kayoed fellow Englishman David Price in the 4th round of their bout.

Usyk, 17-0, 13 KOs, won his first heavyweight bout last October against 38-year-old last-second replacement, Chazz Witherspoon in Chicago by 7th round TKO. The two were to have fought last Saturday in London’s O2 Arena before the shutdown of sports due to Covid 19 back in March. There has been talk that they may fight elsewhere with fans present, including possibly in Saudi Arabia, late in the Summer, etc.

One obvious risk is: Chisora could not only be beaten in an MMA fight before he ever gets the chance at Usyk, but that he also could get injured in that type of a fight. And, that could end up costing him a much more lucrative payday against the former Ukrainian Olympic Gold medalist, who is still ranked #1 by the WBO.

As for Whyte, he is expected to fight without fans, when Matchroom Boxing’s version of “backyard fights” on the backside of their massive headquarters when they hold boxing shows in July and August. White will be fighting former IBF champ, Alexander Povetkin, in their postponed battle with both looking to get back in the heavyweight title shot picture.