Former UFC light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson has called on football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to try their hand at MMA, suggesting a potential clash between the pair would be a “great fight” to watch.
Ibrahimovic, the towering Swedish forward currently in an advisory role at AC Milan, has long admired martial arts. His imposing physique would undoubtedly make him a formidable presence in the Octagon.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, despite turning 40, continues to maintain peak physical condition while playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and captaining Portugal.
As Ronaldo’s illustrious football career eventually winds down, a new challenge in combat sports could be on the horizon.
Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate, Patrice Evra, is already set to make his MMA debut at the PFL Europe event in Paris later this month, fueling speculation that other football stars might follow suit.
Gustafsson believes a bout between Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic could generate significant interest.
Speaking to Comeon Sports, the Swedish fighter said, “Patrice Evra has gone into MMA and I think Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be an amazing fighter, I already know he’s an incredible fighter, he has good kicks, long range arms and legs, I think he would be great if he gave MMA a chance. Could he be a champion? Who knows.
He added, ” Imagine Zlatan vs Cristiano Ronaldo. It would be a great fight to watch and these days it seems like anything is possible, you never know who is going to fight who.”
Ronaldo has frequently been spotted ringside at major boxing events in the Middle East and is expected to attend Canelo Alvarez’s upcoming fight against William Scull in Riyadh on Saturday, further highlighting his interest in combat sports.
