Mayorga Confident For MMA Debut; Looking To Compete Beyond Thomas Bout

Ricardo Mayorga is set to transition to the ever-growing sport of mixed martial arts and the former boxing world champion will jump in with both feet when he takes on grizzled MMA veteran Din Thomas at Shine Fights 3, May 15 in Fayetteville, N.C. The charismatic Nicaraguan was known for his antics in and out of the boxing ring -- he regularly played up his chain smoking and Budweiser affinities in the lead up to his biggest fights -- but usually delivered the goods when it was time to fight. After dropping four of his past seven starts, Mayorga has decided to make the jump to MMA and he talked with Sherdog.com’s Greg Savage about the decision Tuesday at Los Angeles’ Westside Boxing Gym. Mayorga, who professes a love for the “violence” of MMA, feels the sport is a perfect fit for his fiery style and assured the MMA world this was not a one-time move.