John Gotti III Explained: Why the Grandson of the Teflon Don is Fighting Floyd Mayweather

John Gotti III Explained: Why the Grandson of the Teflon Don is Fighting Floyd Mayweather

John Gotti III is a name that carries a lot of weight. Too much weight, maybe. When you grow up in a house where your grandfather is the most infamous mob boss in American history, people expect you to follow a certain script. They expect the suits, the swagger, and the "family business." But if you actually look into the John Gotti III wiki of facts, you’ll see a guy who traded the social club for the MMA cage. Honestly, it's a pivot nobody saw coming back in the 90s.

He isn't just a "famous grandson" anymore. He’s a professional fighter with a chip on his shoulder and a left hook that has caught some of the best in the world off guard. You've probably seen the viral clips of his brawls with Floyd Mayweather, but there is a lot more to the story than just a chaotic night in Florida or Mexico City.

The Family Legacy He Didn't Ask For

It’s impossible to talk about John Gotti III without mentioning the "Teflon Don." His grandfather, John Gotti, ran the Gambino crime family with an iron fist and a $2,000 suit. Then there’s his father, John "Junior" Gotti, who spent years in the crosshairs of the FBI before famously walking away from that life.

Growing up in Oyster Bay, New York, young John III was surrounded by this shadow. But instead of running crews, he was hitting the gym. He’s been very vocal about the fact that he’s the first person in his lineage to pursue professional sports. Basically, he wanted to earn his own stripes in a way that didn't involve a courtroom.

He started in MMA. He was good, too. He racked up a 5-1 record, mostly fighting for CES MMA. He’s a big guy, usually fighting around 170 to 175 pounds, and he has this raw, aggressive style that feels... well, it feels like a Gotti. There's a certain violence to how he fights that makes people pay attention.

That Wild Night with Floyd Mayweather

Let’s be real: most people know John Gotti III because of the absolute madness that was his first exhibition with Floyd Mayweather in June 2023. It was supposed to be a "sparring session" for the cameras. It turned into a riot.

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Mayweather was doing his usual thing—talking trash, dancing, and landing sharp jabs. Gotti wasn't having it. He was clinching, trash-talking back, and ignoring the referee's instructions. When referee Kenny Bayless finally called the fight in the sixth round because the "foul language" and clinching got out of hand, Gotti just... kept fighting.

He lunged past the ref to get to Floyd. Both camps stormed the ring. It was a total mess. But in the weird world of combat sports, chaos equals money.

The Rematch and Where He Stands in 2026

By the time the rematch rolled around in August 2024 in Mexico City, everyone expected another explosion. Surprisingly, it was a bit more "professional," though Mayweather did have the referee swapped out mid-fight (which is a totally Floyd thing to do).

As of early 2026, John Gotti III has cemented himself as a staple in the exhibition boxing circuit. He’s moved away from the regional MMA scene and is focusing almost entirely on these high-profile boxing matches. His current pro boxing record stands at 2-0, but it’s those exhibition bouts that pay the bills and keep his name in the headlines.

What People Get Wrong About Him

A lot of critics say he's only here because of his name. And sure, the name gets him the meeting with Mayweather. It gets him the TV time. But you can't "name" your way through a three-minute round with a world-class fighter. You still have to take the punches.

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He’s actually a very disciplined athlete. He trains out of Long Island MMA and has worked with some legit coaches. His father, Junior, is often cageside or ringside, looking like any other nervous "sports dad"—well, as much as a guy with his history can look like a regular sports dad.

The most interesting thing about Gotti III is his "wiki" of skills:

  • Boxing: He has a solid jab and surprisingly good head movement for a guy who started in MMA.
  • Wrestling: He has a strong base from his early MMA days, which makes him hard to bully in the clinch.
  • Mental Toughness: Say what you want, but the guy doesn't fold under pressure. He seems to thrive when the crowd is booing him.

Breaking Down the Stats

If you're looking for the hard numbers on his career so far, here is the breakdown of his professional journey:

MMA Record: 5 Wins, 1 Loss
His only loss came against Nick Alley in 2020 via a unanimous decision. Before that, he was on a tear, finishing four of his first five opponents by knockout or submission in the first round. He was a legitimate prospect before the boxing world called his name.

Boxing Record (Pro): 2 Wins, 0 Losses
He made his pro debut in October 2022, beating Albert Tulley. He followed that up with a knockout win over Alex Citrowske in January 2023. Since then, it's been the Mayweather show.

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What’s Next for Gotti III?

The big question in 2026 is whether he goes back to "real" fighting or stays in the exhibition lane. Honestly, the money in exhibitions is too good to ignore. There are rumors of him facing other "celebrity" boxers or maybe even a legacy fight against another fighter with a famous last name.

He’s managed to do something very difficult: he took a name associated with the FBI’s Most Wanted list and turned it into a brand that sells out arenas. He isn't trying to be the "Teflon Don 2.0." He’s just John Gotti III, a guy who happens to be really good at hitting people.

Actionable Insights for Fans and Follower

If you're following Gotti's career, keep an eye on his training camp shifts. Lately, he’s been spending more time with pure boxing specialists rather than general MMA coaches. This suggests he’s looking to transition into more "serious" pro boxing matches rather than just "money fights."

To stay updated, you should check his social media for training clips—he often posts raw footage from Long Island MMA that shows his actual progression better than the highlight reels do. Also, watch the weigh-ins for his next fight; his physique has been changing as he leans out for the boxing ring versus the bulkier frame he carried in the MMA cage.