Joe Rogan once fantasized about what the MMA world would be like if LeBron James had taken up fighting instead of basketball.

The UFC legend recently found himself in hot water with Tyson Fury for predicting Jon Jones would easily beat him in a no holds barred fight.

Joe Rogan often gives his opinions on fantasy fightCredit: JRE

Five years ago, Rogan made another bold prediction on his popular podcast about how the 6ft 9in NBA icon would fare if he transitioned to MMA.

“I don’t give a f*** what kind of steroids you take, you are never going to look like that. Never,” he said on a ‘Fight Companion’ episode in 2018.

“There are human beings who have just the most unfathomable physical advantages.

“LeBron James would have an unfathomable physical advantage over someone who would have an unfathomable physical advantage over you.

“A guy like that, if he was fighting, everybody would be f***ed! They are lucky, they are God damn lucky there’s that much money in basketball and LeBron James got into it.”

The 55-year-old anticipated backlash from MMA fans who he assumed would claim that just because someone is athletically gifted doesn’t mean they would make a great fighter.

“And people go, ‘Well, you know what, man? Some things that make a great-looking basketball player wouldn’t necessarily make you a great fighter,” he added.

“Listen to me. Save it. That guy’s going to beat your f***ing a**, he’s a winner. There’s certain level of winners that can just do whatever they want.”

For many, LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all timeCredit: getty

Lesnar successfully transitioned to MMA – but other sports stars haven’t fared so wellCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Several athletes from other sports have tried their luck in MMA, with mixed results, over the years.

Most famously, WWE legend Brock Lesnar joined the UFC and became its heavyweight champion by knocking out Octagon legend Randy Couture.

However, CM Punk looked out of his depth during his two UFC fights, as did boxer James Toney when he agreed to face Couture in his MMA debut.

Controversial NFL star Greg Hardy had a few decent wins in MMA’s premier league but struggled badly when his level of competition increased – he was ultimately released following three straight defeats.

It remains to be seen how a basketball star would do in the UFC.