Conor McGregor has called out Floyd Mayweather for a rematch in the octagon, claiming he would beat the boxing legend in just 10 seconds if they fought under MMA rules
Conor McGregor has expressed interest in a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather
Conor McGregor has issued a bold challenge for a spectacular rematch with Floyd Mayweather – but this time he wants it in the octagon rather than the boxing ring.
The pair clashed in a lucrative boxing spectacle back in 2017, with Mayweather preserving his unblemished record after stopping the Irishman in the 10th round. Despite the defeat, it wasn’t entirely disappointing for McGregor, who pocketed approximately $100million for his troubles.
McGregor returned to the UFC 12 months later but suffered a comprehensive defeat to long-standing adversary Khabib Nurmagomedov in a lopsided lightweight encounter. McGregor has not competed since his loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021, though the ‘Notorious’ one has intensified his preparation in recent months amid speculation of a comeback.
The UFC legend is targeting a return at the White House card this June and remains keen on a rematch with ‘Money’ – provided it takes place inside the octagon. The Irishman also made a rather audacious prediction for the hypothetical bout, responding to an old press conference clip with Mayweather by writing: “Fun times.
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“Floyd Mayweather, when you are ready for that promised MMA bout, I am here. The White House is nice in the summer, I heard. Just kidding Mike! Although… I could fight both the same night. Floyd MMA? EASY. 10 seconds,” reports All Out Fighting.
Following the money-spinning spectacle in Las Vegas nearly a decade ago, Mayweather declared his retirement from professional boxing, yet has continued to stay busy in the exhibition circuit. The 48 year old has subsequently squared off against the likes of Logan Paul, Deji Olatunji (KSI’s sibling), Aaron Chalmers and John Gotti III.
Should McGregor stage a remarkable UFC return this year, it’s anticipated that he will finally exchange blows with Michael Chandler – after mentioning his rival in the previously mentioned post. The duo served as opposing coaches on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’ back in 2023, yet a bout has failed to come to fruition. Both fighters were set to clash in June 2024, but the encounter was scrapped after McGregor picked up an injury during training.
Nevertheless, Chandler is now more optimistic than ever that they will resolve their differences once and for all. During the “New Year’s Eve Life: Nashville’s Big Bash” broadcast last week, the ex-Bellator champion made an appearance on the programme alongside presenter Bert Kreischer.
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Throughout his brief appearance, Chandler suggested that a potentially mouth-watering showdown with McGregor is back on the table. “I will say, it’s gonna be a big year,” declared Chandler. “Number one, like you said, the UFC is now on Paramount+, the entire year…for the multitude of [years]…and also, there’s a rumour going around. We can’t confirm nor deny, but it does sound like I might be handing Conor McGregor a good ol’ passionate, ‘red, white and blue’ butt whooping in the South Lawn of the White House sometime this summer. And that’s the plan, let’s go.”
McGregor announced his UFC return last October, but Dana White, the UFC boss, quickly dismissed those claims, stating that the White House card would start taking shape in February. The 37-year-old fighter risked missing the June event due to an 18-month drug ban after failing to attend three tests in 2024. Initially facing a two-year suspension that would have excluded him from the June UFC event in Washington, McGregor’s ban has been reduced to end on March 20.
John Kavanagh, McGregor’s long-time coach and close friend, seems to support the fight with Chandler. He recently told Ariel Helwani: “So look, we just got to get back there again. I think Chandler’s not being quiet about wanting to be that guy – the match-up makes sense. I think it’ll be a fun one… I’d love it. I think they kind of have a bit of a spark between them.
“They’ve done some stuff together before. I think it’ll be a fun fight week, press conference, all of that. Style-wise, that kind of shorter, stocky wrestler. He’s faced a few of those in his day. And yeah, I’m in the mindset that that’s what we’re doing. So we’re already beginning our training for that [kind of opponent].”