I say Tyson would have dominated the FIRST UFC

[VictorCharlie]

if we are talking about a cross trained Tyson then I'd give him a chance, but as is I'd feel pretty certain that Severn or Shamrock would be able to get the takedown.

[Hulk]

if we are talking about a cross trained Tyson then I'd give him a chance, but as is I'd feel pretty certain that Severn or Shamrock would be able to get the takedown.

I figure both would be too intimidated and Tyson would be too strong for them to get down.

[VictorCharlie]

first of all Shamrock was an accomplished Pancrase champ well before the UFC I dont see him or Severn being intimidatd by anybody...secondly I dont think Tyson has any huge strength advantage if any over a seasoned grappler, and lastly takedowns are just as much about technique as strength....My experience is that pound for pound top wrestlers are some of the strongest atheletes I've ever encountered....Male Gymnasts at NCAA and Olympic level are studs as well.

[Hulk]

first of all Shamrock was an accomplished Pancrase champ well before the UFC I dont see him or Severn being intimidatd by anybody...secondly I dont think Tyson has any huge strength advantage if any over a seasoned grappler, and lastly takedowns are just as much about technique as strength....My experience is that pound for pound top wrestlers are some of the strongest atheletes I've ever encountered....Male Gymnasts at NCAA and Olympic level are studs as well.

Right...so you would favor a male gymnast over Mike Tyson? Or do just have a thing for male gymnasts?
For real though, Pancrase is all well and good but they allow NO striking, cept for slapping. Thats really gonna prepare a guy to fight Mike Tyson isn't it? Come on. Tyson would have destroyed anyone the first few UFC's IMO.

[Max Power]

I agree. Mike Tyson would have completely destroyed any and every opponent in the original UFC's.

He'd probably lay waste to practically all the upstart UFC fighters today barring the top guys we see on TV now who are well versed in takedowns and massively outsize him.

[VictorCharlie]

You got me Hulk, gymnasts make me hot. I just think you underestimate top wrestlers overall strength and their technique. I mentioned Ken's experience in Pancrase only b/c he was an accomplished fighter and wouldn't be intimidated....Do you really think just boxing prepares someone for a MMA fight? I wouldn't count Mike out in the first UFC but I wouldn't be ready to just hand it to him either.

[Hulk]

You got me Hulk, gymnasts make me hot. I just think you underestimate top wrestlers overall strength and their technique. I mentioned Ken's experience in Pancrase only b/c he was an accomplished fighter and wouldn't be intimidated....Do you really think just boxing prepares someone for a MMA fight? I wouldn't count Mike out in the first UFC but I wouldn't be ready to just hand it to him either.

Thats fair. But I would pick Tyson without hesitation back then.

[southakron314]

You got me Hulk, gymnasts make me hot. I just think you underestimate top wrestlers overall strength and their technique. I mentioned Ken's experience in Pancrase only b/c he was an accomplished fighter and wouldn't be intimidated....Do you really think just boxing prepares someone for a MMA fight? I wouldn't count Mike out in the first UFC but I wouldn't be ready to just hand it to him either.

I used to wrestle in highschool. They are the strongest pound for pound. Gives you one hell of a neck too.

[tkdboy]

If you watched the first UFCs Gracie had a crazy shot that could take down just about anybody even Tysons size and once on the ground Royce would have him wrapped up

[Munkymagic]

*sigh*

Still think tyson would have been subbed into oblivion in the first UFC by Monsieur Gracie

[BIG H]

*sigh*

Still think tyson would have been subbed into oblivion in the first UFC by Monsieur Gracie

I am no expert - just an armchair fan - but completely agree with that!!

[Munkymagic]

*sigh*

Still think tyson would have been subbed into oblivion in the first UFC by Monsieur Gracie

I am no expert - just an armchair fan - but completely agree with that!!

Plus i also know what a big tyson fan you are big fella

[BIG H]

*sigh*

Still think tyson would have been subbed into oblivion in the first UFC by Monsieur Gracie

I am no expert - just an armchair fan - but completely agree with that!!

Plus i also know what a big tyson fan you are big fella

[vegasMMAfan]

I wrestled in high school and boxed in the Army, and I say Severn, Shamrock or Gracie would have beaten Tyson in the first 3 minutes.

Unless they tried to stand up with him, of course.

[Nate17]

I actually think that Tyson would have had a really good chance of winning UFC 1. He's stocky and looks like he'd be hard to take down. If you think Tyson hits hard with 12 oz. boxing gloves I'd love to see the damage he'd do with no gloves.

Gracie's hardest win before retiring from the UFC was against Kimo, simply because of his strenth, and the only reason he won is because of all the hair pulling he did. Another what if situation, but damn wouldn't it be fun to watch.