Daniel Cormier speaks candidly after the Tyson vs. Mayweather announcement

The announcement of an exhibition fight between Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather in 2026 shook the boxing world, but it also left many questions unanswered. One of the most surprised was former UFC champion and analyst Daniel Cormier, who was quick to express his confusion and skepticism about the fight.

“I don’t get this”: Cormier questions the fight

On his YouTube channel, Cormier was clear in stating that, despite the respect he has for both fighters, he sees no sporting or financial reason for Tyson and Mayweather to return to the ring:

 “I respect these two men to a degree that it’s hard for me to almost make negative statements about them. But I think that our job as talking heads is to tell you the truth. And the truth is, I don't get this fight. Tyson has his life sorted out, Mayweather is still making money, and they don't need to fight again."

Cormier recalled that, in many cases, champions who return do so because of financial problems, but he does not believe this to be the case:

"These guys don’t need money. A lot of times when you get these great champions fighting well past their prime, it’s to make cash.”

What we won't see in the ring, according to Cormier

Beyond his criticism, the former UFC fighter also made a very specific prediction: Mike Tyson will not knock out Floyd Mayweather.

“One thing I do know we won’t see is Mike Tyson starch Floyd Mayweather.Could you imagine if he just knocks out Floyd and Floyd is that much smaller? It would be the most viewed thing you’d ever see on TV. The clips would be the most viral thing you’d ever seen in your life.”

This statement puts into perspective the doubts about the real competitiveness of an exhibition that, by the rules, will have no official winner, will be fought in short rounds, and with larger gloves.

Between spectacle and legacy

For Cormier, the fight does not represent a genuine sporting challenge, but rather another spectacle in the trend of exhibitions that mix boxing, show business, and commerce. Tyson arrives at 59 years old and with only one previous exhibition (against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020), while Mayweather has accumulated seven such fights against opponents such as Logan Paul.

Although the protagonists have promised something “legendary” and “out of the ordinary,” Cormier invites us to question how much this fight contributes to the legacy of both, beyond media interest.

A historic event or unnecessary?

Cormier's analysis reflects what many fans think: the Tyson vs. Mayweather fight will be a spectacle watched by millions, but its sporting value is debatable. With two legends who have already made history, the debate remains open: are we witnessing a milestone or just another media spectacle?