Mayweather protege Gervonta Davis wants to fight in the UFC

Floyd Mayweather’s protege, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, says he’d like to try fighting in the UFC next.

IBF super featherweight Gervonta “Tank” Davis is gearing up to face former featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar next month, but it looks like he’s got his sights set elsewhere. Davis tweeted on Saturday that he’s interested in a fight in the UFC.

Davis is best known as Floyd Mayweather’s protege, which makes this tweet a little less random. Mayweather toyed with the idea of a stint in the Octagon after defeating UFC star Conor McGregor in their August 2017 bout. Mayweather defeated the UFC champ via a 10th round TKO in one of the biggest fights in combat sports history. The crossover was eventually shot down by Mayweather, who said he was happily retired. Perhaps Mayweather has found a way to capitalize on the UFC name without having to fight in a cage.

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Davis, who is ranked in the top five of his division, is undefeated in the ring, winning a total of 19 fights — 18 of those by knockout. He amassed a 206-15 amateur record before turning pro in 2013.

“I think I have the skills to be able to carry on what [Mayweather] is leaving the boxing fans with,” Davis told ESPN of his relationship with Mayweather. “I’m preparing myself to be a great, great fighter and also a big star in the sport.”

The 23-year-old still has a lot of life left in his professional career, though starting to learn the intricacies of MMA might be a tall order for someone who appears to want to skip regional promotions and go right to the big show.

Davis is up for his next title on April 21, 2018, when he faces Cuellar at Barclays Center, New York City for the vacant WBA super featherweight title.