The Highlight: Conor McGregor believes Mayweather will return to boxing, but says Floyd won't accept a rematch
It's been a pretty wild year for UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor.
MMA's biggest star reportedly banked somewhere around $100 million for his crossover mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. back in August. Now talk has turned to the future.
McGregor has options. Among them could be a rematch with the fluidly retired Mayweather. McGregor isn't so sure.
"He claimed retired," McGregor told ESPN. "I'm not the type of man to begrudge a guy. The fight game is a cruel, ruthless business. To see an individual go out on top like that, close to $1 billion in earnings from fighting alone. I take my hat off to that. Fair play to the guy. Much respect to him. I'm not the type of guy who says, 'No! Give me one more round and I'd whoop your ass.' He's 40 odd. Leave him be.
"He got the win that night. Much respect to him. All due respect given to him. Let's see how it goes in the next year or two with his finances, whether he is as smart as he claims he is with his investments and all this. I feel maybe there is a potential he could come back and then we'll see from there. But would he choose me? I don't think so. We'll see what happens."
The more likely option for McGregor is a return to the UFC. A possible trilogy rubber match with Nate Diaz isn't out of the question, but McGregor would likely return to defend his title to interim champ Tony Ferguson.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday night in Dublin, McGregor made it clear he won't come cheap.
(via MMA Fighting)
“We’re in the contract negotiation stage,” McGregor said. “It’s got to, they’ve got to entice me now because, I came from a billion-dollar fight. I want equity, I want pay-per-view. I want to be a true partner. You have to entice me now. I want to be a partner. I want to be a promoter and I want to be a fighter for me to continue.”
TOP STORIES
Big night. Carlos Correa proposed on the field after winning World Series Game 7.
Get well soon. Gordon Hayward talks injury, says Celtics coach Brad Stevens helped carry him onto plane.
Oh, boy. Kyrie Irving explains Flat Earth stance, says there is no real picture of planet.
Back in action. Josh Gordon reinstated, eligible to play again in Week 13.
Not so presidential. The Capitals are still seeking an identity.
MUST WATCH
The Astros did it.
Top 10 dunks of the month.
Adam Schefter can't rule out a conspiracy in the Browns-Bengals trade fail.
Highlights from Real Madrid vs. Tottenham.
NHL's hits of the month.
Your team had at least one good play this season.
UFC 217 Embedded episode 3.
Cube saves LeBron.
AND THE REST
Unbelieveable.
WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!#EarnHistory
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 2, 2017
McCarron reacts to the awkwardness.
New threads.
Showing support.
Mic'd up.
It's the little things.
No need to pull the goalie.
Damn, Chad.
The correct way to take needles at the dentist, establish dominance‼️ pic.twitter.com/YcAsixfbfb
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) November 1, 2017
Pop DGAF.
Enough, Shaq.