[rjt721]

I knew Floyd would do anything for a big payday, but I didn't see this coming.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the world's No. 1 boxer, is strongly considering a revolutionary jump to mixed martial arts under a deal being discussed with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather's adviser and best friend, told ESPN.com Friday night that the five-division world champion, who generated 3.25 million pay-per-view buys and more than $200 million in revenue in two mega fights in 2007, came away from a Thursday meeting with Cuban giving serious thought to taking his game and considerable drawing power to MMA.

"It's definitely something he is interested in, and when Floyd makes his move, obviously it's going to be a mega event," Ellerbe said. "We don't have a time table. Floyd is taking some time off, but Floyd understands what is involved. You have to take time to go out and understand what you're getting involved in, and he's ready to do that. But it's something he's definitely interested in doing.

"Mark Cuban is a very successful business man and has some very, very successful business ventures that we've discussed. We're looking to do a lot of business with Mark. He's a great guy, and we had a great meeting. Doing an MMA event with him is most definitely something we are looking at, among many things we are looking at doing with Mark Cuban."

Mayweather's interest in participating in an MMA event was sparked after he struck up a friendship with Cuban during their participation this season as contestants on the ABC reality series "Dancing with the Stars."

Cuban was Mayweather's guest at the fight and even carried two of his championship belts into the ring before he knocked out England's Ricky Hatton to retain the welterweight world championship Dec. 8 in Las Vegas.

Mayweather and Cuban were together again Thursday in Las Vegas, where they met to discuss various business ventures, including Mayweather participating in an MMA event.

A few boxers, such as former heavyweight contenders Ray Mercer and Frans Botha, have attempted to compete in mixed martial arts with little success. Mayweather's entrance would bring it to another level, especially at a time when the sports have been pitted against each other by fans and media -- MMA as the hotshot newcomer trying to overtake the century-old, more traditional sweet science.

One of Cuban's many business interests is ownership of HDNet Fights, a fledgling mixed martial arts promotional company whose bouts are aired on Cuban's HDNet. Cuban promoted his second event Dec. 15 in Dallas.

"Floyd is considering fighting with HDNet Fights," Cuban told ESPN.com. "We are going to let him visit some gyms to talk to some folks about what it would take to learn. He knows it won't be easy. But he is getting involved with MMA and HDNet Fights one way or another. He is pumped about it. He wants to go on to the next big thing. Floyd is a brilliant marketer. He follows the money."

Indeed, Mayweather, like Cuban, knows how to make money. Mayweather, 30, won the year's two biggest fights, a decision against Oscar De La Hoya in May in a fight that shattered all boxing revenue records and a 10th-round knockout of Hatton that did 850,000 buys and $47 million in television revenue on HBO PPV.

Mayweather-De La Hoya, with 2.4 million buys, set the all-time PPV record. Mayweather-Hatton was the biggest PPV fight in history not involving De La Hoya or heavyweights Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

Mayweather earned about $50 million for the two fights.

"If I said there's a guaranteed $30 million payday, Floyd would be lacing them up," Cuban said, optimistic that Mayweather would eventually participate in an MMA match. "If not, I could see him working to train and develop and invest in MMA fighters, knowing the upside. He can teach them how to be a better boxer and add to their other skills."

After each of his last three fights, Mayweather has talked about retirement or, at least, an extended break. Ellerbe said Mayweather is on vacation now but that when he returns, they'll discuss the prospect of an MMA bout in more detail.

"Floyd is about taking on challenges," Ellerbe said. "This ain't some kind of prank. That is one of many things we've talked about with Mark. Floyd would have to take time to really understand it, but it is most definitely something he is interested in."

[CrazyLou]

I think he's just toying with the idea at the moment, feeling out what kind of guaranteed money would be there for him. I heard this chatter after his De La Hoya victory too.

I think we're much more likely to see him in a boxing ring again at least for another fight or two, he keeps saying he's retiring now but I think it's sort of how Brett Favre does it... He'll be back in the boxing ring next year and will make another $20M+ for another easy fight. Guy is the best boxer alive and still in his prime.

[onlòóker]

His hands and joint problems in his arms are going to make him retire earlier then he probably should. He is a bad man, and the best out there right now.

I don't think he will be going to MMA, that would be stupid of him, and he is a pretty smart guy.

[bigboydan]

Well this should be interesting. If he takes his time and trains properly he should be able to compete due to the fact he is a world class boxer and natural athlete. He seems to understand he is going to have to train MMA style to compete and not just go in there and think he can box everyone.

[goldengoat]

a good wrestler would make him reconsider his thinking pretty quick (even with him training mma for a year)

mayweather's style is to clinch whenever he doesn't see an advantage....kind of a defensive approach until he figures the other guy out

that style won't fly at all versus a grappler

[twtb19]

Originally Posted by goldengoat

a good wrestler would make him reconsider his thinking pretty quick (even with him training mma for a year)

mayweather's style is to clinch whenever he doesn't see an advantage....kind of a defensive approach until he figures the other guy out

that style won't fly at all versus a grappler

Very true. He would have to train a ton just to compete with average guys. His natural athletic ability would make it possible, but I see him staying in boxing for a few more paydays and then hanging it up for good. He is too good and has had it too easy for awhile.

[JJOdin]

Marcus Davis, a former boxer himself, has indicated time and time again how he had to basically relearn everything in the transition. If Mayweather trained very hard in grappling/ submissions he could make the transition. Guess is he won't. The reality is if he starts off against anyone with grappling skills in his first fight, he'll be done before the first round ends.

[boxingbible]

Won't happen.

Why would Mayweather turn down future $10 million paydays just to prove himself in a new sport when he wants to solidify his legacy in boxing?