Dana White shuts down Conor McGregor’s hopes of fighting Floyd Mayweather

UFC president White has poured cold water on McGregor securing a boxing rematch with Mayweather, confirming that the Irishman’s return will take place in the UFC

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Conor McGregor drops out of richest athletes list after being No.1 last year

Dana White has ruled out a boxing rematch between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather.

The UFC kingpin was heavily involved in the first fight between the rivals which took place in 2017. White is usually against crossover events with boxing, but was drawn in by the size and potential revenue which the fight attracted.

Reports this week indicated the pair had entered talks over a sequel with McGregor appearing to ‘accept’ the fight on social media. However White has confirmed the superstar’s focus remains on returning to the UFC as soon as possible. “Not me, I’m not talking about that,” White said on the The Jim Rome Show when addressing rematch links. “Conor’s return will be in the cage. Conor’s looking to come back the end of this year, early next year.

“When I do talk to Conor, Conor wants to fight. Conor gets all kinds of offers for movie roles and all these other things that he could go and do and make money. He doesn’t want to do any of that. Conor wants to fight. When he fights, he gets paid. Fighting is what he wants to do.”

McGregor and Mayweather became the second highest-selling pay-per-view in combat sports history, attracting an audience of around four million. The Irishman was comfortably stopped in the tenth round by Mayweather, but earned a record £100million purse for his endeavours.

The boxing legend also pocketed an expected £250m and has since continued to fight on the exhibition circuit. He has already had three-money spinning bouts against Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, YouTuber Logan Paul and former sparring partner Don Moore.

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Since fighting Mayweather, McGregor has seen his own career decline significantly having just one win against Donald Cerrone to his name. The Irishman broke his leg in a second consecutive defeat to Dustin Poirier last year and is yet to return to the octagon.

He has began kicking with his previously injured leg, but has yet to return to full training which is expected to delay his UFC comeback. A whole host of options are on the table for McGregor including a switch to 170lb where he could challenge title holder Kamaru Usman.

Despite confirming his will return will take place in the UFC, McGregor is open to a future appearance back in the ring. “Boxing is my first love in combat sports,” he told Sky Sports. “I had such a great time the last time I was out there. Obviously, my return will be in the octagon for UFC – that story is far from over, in fact it’s just being written, it is just the beginning. “But, boxing, for sure I will grace the squared circle again in the future.”