Conor McGregor has shed light on why a highly anticipated exhibition boxing match between him and WWE star Logan Paul is unlikely to happen. According to the Irish MMA superstar, the UFC vetoed the idea, leaving fans questioning what could have been a massive crossover event.
UFC Not On Board
Speaking to “The Schmo,” McGregor explained that while both he and Paul were ready to step into the ring, the UFC’s lack of enthusiasm ultimately derailed the fight.
“The UFC just aren’t into it,” McGregor stated. “The offer was there on the table, in writing, both athletes—we’ll say he’s not a fighter, but whatever—both athletes under the TKO banner.”
McGregor revealed that the proposed fight, scheduled to take place in India, made “perfect sense” in terms of timing and market potential.
“In between this waiting period that we find ourselves in before I can get back to the Octagon, it made perfect sense on the calendar to go ahead with it. The UFC weren’t into it. I’m not sure the WWE what their interest in it was, I just knew the UFC weren’t into it,” he added.
Missed Opportunity?
The fight, initially teased by Paul with a $250 million valuation, generated significant buzz among fans. However, McGregor suggested that Paul’s lack of internal advocacy for the fight within TKO Holdings, the parent company of UFC and WWE, might have contributed to its downfall.
“[Logan] just kept quiet. He didn’t say anything,” McGregor explained. “I was like, ‘Mate, you need to say something. You need to open your f***ing mouth.’”
McGregor’s Interest in Influencer Fights
Despite the UFC’s disapproval, McGregor expressed his openness to fights against influencers, citing their unique appeal.
“They’re an interesting little side pocket branch,” McGregor said, mentioning Logan Paul, Jake Paul, and KSI as potential opponents.
McGregor even teased a surprise appearance in his own Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) promotion. “One of these days, you’ll just hear my music go onto the stage of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, and out I come with my fists wrapped, with no gloves and a fight out of nowhere,” he said.
McGregor’s Next Move
While McGregor’s return to the UFC remains in limbo, his interest in unconventional matchups keeps fans speculating. Whether it’s a future boxing bout, an influencer fight, or a surprise BKFC appearance, “The Notorious” continues to captivate the combat sports world with his unpredictability.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if McGregor and Logan Paul’s potential clash resurfaces or if it becomes another “what could have been” moment in combat sports history.
