Ricardo Mayorga is no stranger to the headlines. His unusual behavior before, during and after fights has been something that has caught the attention of the media. Whether it’s trash talking before a fight, saying he’s going to hit his opponent so hard in the chest he will stop his heart, smoking a cigarette during an interview or after a fight, etc., Mayorga knows how to make news.

The former welterweight and junior middleweight boxing champion from Nicaragua has captured the headlines one more time, this time because he has signed on for another fight. The unusual part about this fight is that in won’t take place inside the ropes, but inside a cage. That’s right, Mayorga is venturing into the world of MMA.

The twice conquerer of the late Vernon Forrest signed a multi-fight deal with Shine Fight Promotions, and it looks like his first fight will be in 2010.

Mayorga of course isn’t the only boxer to every take a stab at MMA. Former heavyweight champion Ray Mercer has done it with mixed reviews. He was stopped by Kimbo Slice, but did knockout former UFC champion Tim Sylvia at the age of 48.

Heavyweight Melton Bowen fought in UFC 4 against Steve Jennum, losing by armbar, but not before breaking Jennum’s jaw with a left hook. Former UFC star Jens Pulver tried boxing and went 4-0 with three knockouts.

Mayorga, 35, like other boxers, probably has no comprehension of a ground game, but he’s a hard hitter and has a brawler’s style. His punches come from all angles, and that style may be better suited for mixed martial arts.

Another thing about Mayorga is that while he did lose four of his last seven fights, three of them were to future Hall-of-Famers Felix Trinidad, Oscar de la Hoya and Shane Mosley, the fourth coming to former champion Cory Spinks.

Three of the four stopped Mayorga, but they had to beat the living daylights out of him to achieve it. It’s rare that this man would go down with one punch, so with that said, he may have some success against some of the lesser opposition in MMA. Once he fights more capable fighters, the results remain to be seen, but it will be fun watching the unpredictable Mayorga in this sport.

EDWARDS IMPRESSIVE IN SHINE FIGHTS DEBUT

MMA veteran Yves Edwards came to the James L. Knight Center Friday night to prove he still belongs with the elite in the sport. The Bahamian native took on James Warfield and displayed why he’s one of the best ground fighters at lightweight, and opened up some eyes when he locked in a triangle choke on the Madison, Wisc. native in the second round to win by tap out.

“I had two losses in the last 10 months,” Edwards said. “I needed to come out here and look impressive and I believe I did. I put him in the hateful triangle and won.”

Warfield did all he could to get out of the lock, but was unable to.

“I have to give it to him,” Edwards said. “He was tough.”

Warfield used his strength in the first round to take down Edwards, and was trying a rear naked choke to no avail. In the second round, he came in to pound Edwards, who was on his back, and fell into the trap. After the fight Warfield was brought to tears, but Edwards said he spoke to him and let him know what a warrior he is.

“He told me I was his idol,” Edwards said. “It’s not everyday you get beaten by your idol, but he’s a very good fighter and has a few good fights ahead for him.“

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