Amir Khan: I 'fancy my chances' in MMA fight vs. Conor McGregor

Published May. 3, 2016 8:43 p.m. ET

Andre Vergara

Amir Khan is facing the biggest fight of his boxing career, and he's feeling pretty confident in his skills.

And not just as they relate to his showdown Saturday with Canelo Alvarez. Khan thinks he's got the speed and power to fight MMA, as well.

That may be news to MMA fans, who routinely mock boxing's best, such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., and predict first-round finishes if they ever step into the Octagon.

But Khan not only thinks he could hang with MMA fighters, he thinks he could tangle with the best.

"I’ve always been a UFC fan and I like (Conor) McGregor and the way he promotes it. If I was to fight the champion around 147 pounds, I would fancy my chances. McGregor or whoever," Khan told reporters this past weekend.

Khan not only is a big fan who's dabbled in MMA training, but he also co-owns Super Fight League, which bills itself as Asia's biggest pro MMA promotion. And he says after watching some of that recent action in person, he felt he could have "done the business."

"I was at the last SFL show watching the guys at my weight and I swear, even though I have no experience of MMA, I could have stepped in and done the business," Khan told reporters.

"I really thought, 'Shall I go in there and do something crazy?' Lucky I didn't, I probably would have got banned from boxing."

Khan, who's won boxing titles at lightweight, light-welterweight and welterweight, seems convinced he has the speed to hang with MMA fighters.

"My speed would be perfect for MMA, it's hit and move. I wouldn't let anyone get close to me," he said.

That may be easier said than done. But even if it comes down to punching power, Khan believes he's got the edge there, too.

"I can kick hard, don't worry about that. I also believe boxers punch harder than MMA fighters.

"Imagine Mike Tyson as a heavyweight hitting a guy on the floor 20 times."

Khan really may believe he's MMA material, or he may just be exagerrating to promote one of his business interests. After all, Khan just released a mobile boxing game that makes his rivals look pretty silly.