A kickboxing icon has opened up about why he made the difficult decision not to join the UFC.
Back in the 2010s, the star had started training in MMA with The Blackzilians and had won his first two fights with The World Series of Fighting.
During this period, the esteemed striker claims Dana White made an effort to get him to sign for the world’s premier combat sports organization.
However, in the end, the fighter opted against putting pen to paper.
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Tyrone Spong explains why he didn’t sign with the UFC
On May 2, in Dubai, UAE, Tyrone Spong will take on Sam Alvey for the Karate Combat world heavyweight championship.
With the major fight just a matter of days away, he’s reflected on his negotiations with the UFC.
He told MMA Fighting: “At that time, I had a good contact and meetings with the UFC, with Dana White. I love what Dana’s doing. I think by far he’s the best promoter in combat sports. But at that time, I was the man in town.
“I had so many options, which is a blessing and a curse at the same time because it makes you indecisive.
“I was fighting MMA, boxing, kickboxing, all together. I think if you want to go into the UFC, you have to solely focus on that. One, because the level of competition. And two, I didn’t want that at that time because I had these other great options, goals and achievements. And when you sign there, you’re stuck on that contract.
“At that time, the money and being stuck there was not worth it for me. But like I said, if it makes dollars, it makes sense, and the challenge is right, why not?”
While it’s now unlikely Spong will ever fight in the UFC under MMA rules, Joe Rogan is campaigning with White to start a kickboxing league, in which the formidable Dutchman would make for a fantastic addition.
Kurt Angle reveals the major offers Dana White made him to fight in the UFC
Spong isn’t the only legend White has attempted to bring over to the UFC.
The businessman would’ve loved Kurt Angle to have competed inside the octagon.
Alas, despite efforts on both sides, the former WWE World Champion never had the opportunity to showcase his Olympic-caliber wrestling skills in the organization.
Now, Angle explained why Dana White and he couldn’t come to a UFC agreement.