Is this the big step toward McGregor-Mayweather fight?
Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather finally have reached a multi-million dollar deal to fight, the Irish Sun has learned. After months of intense negotiations, representatives for McGregor have thrashed out a money-spinning contract with Mayweather’s camp in recent days.
Although the bombshell agreement is yet to be formally signed because of a third-party hold-up, it would mean the 28-year-old Irish brawler will go toe-to-toe with the undefeated 39-year-old boxing great.
The MMA sensation pulled out of a scheduled meet-and-greet event in Dublin this week to go to the United States to make an anti-bullying video for schoolchildren. McGregor will shoot the video as part of a deal struck with the Nevada Sports Commission after he was deemed to have thrown a bottle of water at Nate Diaz.
He also will use the opportunity to finalize details with his representatives in Las Vegas as the Mayweather fight inches closer.
He said: “There’s a lot of business to do out in Las Vegas. They tried to fine me $150,000 for throwing a bottle of water. It was a can, but whatever. We’ll call it a bottle of water and say no more about it …”
“Ah, no, look, I’m gonna f–k this whole s–t up again. I love the Vegas commission. We’ve come to an understanding. I’m gonna fly out there and fix it. I’m gonna get my Las Vegas boxing commission and then we’ll see where the f–k Flyod’s at!”
The undisputed UFC lightweight champion was due to appear at the $100-a-head bash on Friday night, but withdrew Tuesday due to “an unavoidable schedule change.”
A source close to the star told the Irish Sun: “Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather have agreed a deal to fight and have both settled on their respective fees.
“The contract hasn’t officially been signed yet because of a third party hold-up, but all the details have all been agreed on. The fight could even be announced within two weeks.”
Representatives for McGregor could not be reached for comment when contacted by the Irish Sun.
McGregor has made no secret of his desire to take on the 49-0 Mayweather and has vowed to hand Mayweather his first KO.
McGregor recently boasted: “That fight is more than just being explored. That fight has been in the works a while now.
“Look, there’s a lot of steps to get through to get the fight going, but it’s the fight to make. It’s the fight the people want. It’s the fight I want. I know I’m confident going in there.
“I’ve got the reach. I’ve got youth. I’ve got the confidence. I’ve got the unpredictable style. You can’t prepare for a style like me. A guy said to me, why conquer one world when you can conquer two? So I’m going to go conquer two worlds.”
But speaking just last week, UFC boss Dana White insisted any contest involving under-contract McGregor was “not possible” and promised it would “never happen.”
White said: “It will never happen. That’s not even possible. He’s under contract with us. You have a contract for a reason.
“Let me tell you what, there are a lot of contracts out there, no matter what business you are in – UFC or whatever – and it’s pretty tough to get out of a contract.
“And if that’s what Conor wants to do [fight Mayweather], he’s got four fights left. He’s got four fights left with the UFC. Fight your four fights and, you know, go out and do what you want to do.”