Floyd Mayweather Jr. in action against Conor McGregor Photo INHPO/Derek Hogan.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. in action against Conor McGregor Photo INHPO/Derek Hogan.
After reports Wednesday that Floyd Mayweather was negotiating to fight in the UFC, the boxer who may or may not actually be retired appeared to shoot down that intriguing possibility. In turn, that appeared to elicit a crude, profane taunt from Conor McGregor.
During the run-up to their August fight, Mayweather had teased the possibility of returning the favor for McGregor, who was leaving his area of expertise by agreeing to abide by boxing-only rules. As expected, Mayweather won that contest, although McGregor lasted into the 10th round before succumbing by technical knockout, and afterward Mayweather said, "You won't see me in the ring no more."
But was he leaving some wiggle room for possible appearances in the Octagon? Earlier this month, Mayweather said: "If I wanted to, I could come right back to the UFC. I can go fight in the Octagon. I can go do a three- or four-fight deal in the Octagon and make a billion dollars. Remember I'm Floyd 'Money' Mayweather."
Speculation about a Mayweather-McGregor showdown under UFC auspices ramped up Wednesday following comments the MMA company's president, Dana White, made to ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "We're talking to Floyd about doing a UFC deal," White said. "It's real.
"He was talking about [boxing] Conor McGregor. Was that real? Have you heard Floyd talk about many things that aren't real? He usually tips his hand when he's in the media, and then that s— ends up happening.
Mayweather vs McGregor Weigh-In. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
"We're interested in doing something with Floyd," White continued. "Everything is a realistic possibility. Mayweather versus McGregor f—ing happened. Anything is possible."
In comments posted by Fight Hype, Mayweather subsequently threw cold water on that scenario, clarifying his earlier remarks. "Exactly what I said is this: If I made over a billion dollars before, I could do it again. If I chose to get in the UFC and fight three fights, or fight four fights, and then fight Conor McGregor, I could make a billion dollars.
"We just don't know what the future holds for Floyd Mayweather, and I don't look forward to getting back in the boxing ring, that's what I don't look forward to doing," he said. "I'm just saying I could — I'm not doing it, but I'm saying what I could do to make a billion dollars quick."
"I never said I was going to fight in the UFC, I was just saying if I wanted to, what I could do," Mayweather added. "Would and could do is different things. I'm not going to do it, though."
Shortly after those comments emerged, McGregor posted an image and comment on social media that didn't strike many as coincidentally timed. Aside a photo of himself holding a pair of UFC title belts, the Irishman offered the one-word caption, "P—y."
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, file photo, Conor McGregor stands on a scale during the weigh-in event for his fight against Eddie Alvarez. Photo / AP/.
McGregor may have taken advantage Wednesday of another opportunity to insult Mayweather, something he did with great frequency ahead of their fight, but he could hardly have been surprised at the boxing star's decision to stay out of the Octagon. It was one thing for the Irishman to risk getting knocked out in the ring, although Mayweather is known for being more of a counterpuncher and defensive tactician, but the latter would have set himself up for far greater potential damage had he agreed to fight under MMA rules.
In addition, while Mayweather isn't nicknamed "Money" by accident and is likely tempted by the revenue he could earn from a brief run in the UFC that would culminate in a second fight with McGregor, he is very aware of maintaining his brand. That not only has to do with ostentatious displays of wealth, but the mystique generated by his undefeated record.
That 50-0 mark also goes to Mayweather's legacy, as it represents the most wins, with no losses or draws, in professional boxing history. Some might claim that the 50th win, over an MMA star with no previous experience in a sanctioned boxing match, should come with an asterisk, but Mayweather disputed that notion immediately after defeating McGregor.
"A win is a win, no matter how you get it," Mayweather said. "Rocky Marciano [who retired at 49-0] is a legend and I look forward to going into the Hall of Fame one day."
Losses in the Octagon wouldn't count toward Mayweather's unblemished boxing record, any more than McGregor's defeat in August changed his MMA record from 21-3 to 21-4. However, they would puncture his image of unassailable superiority as a fighter, similarly to how Ronda Rousey's two knockout losses greatly altered perceptions of the previously indomitable UFC champion.
With a UFC showdown off the table, at least for the time being, McGregor had to settle for an attempt to puncture Mayweather's sense of pride. It's not likely to lure his antagonist into the Octagon, but in a case where even money apparently won't talk, McGregor felt his only recourse was to hurl an insult.
