Conor McGregor has blamed the UFC for blocking a high-profile boxing exhibition against YouTuber-turned-fighter Logan Paul from coming to fruition.
The Irishman, who has not competed since 2021, claims the fight was derailed due to the UFC's refusal to approve the bout, despite negotiations and significant financial incentives.
Speaking in an interview with The Schmo, McGregor explained that talks were underway for the fight to take place in Mumbai, India, with an estimated payout of $250million on the line.
The highly anticipated event was rumoured to involve India's billionaire Ambani family, although no public statements were made by the family regarding the negotiations.
However, the bout is yet to be finalised, with McGregor pointing the blame at the UFC. Speaking to the press, McGregor emphasised that he had no control over the situation.
According to McGregor, both he and Logan Paul were ready to fight under the TKO banner, which oversees both the UFC and WWE. But, he claims the UFC just 'weren't into it'.
McGregor said as cited by Sports Central: 'The UFC just aren't into it. '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. UFC, WWE, both rising up. 'The stock price of TKO Holding Group through the roof. New market in India opened up and booming. It was business savvy and business sense to make the fight happen, or should I say, the glorified spar happen.'
McGregor described the proposed event as a 'business-savvy' move, pointing to the potential for expanding into the Indian market and leveraging the surging stock value of TKO Holdings Group.
McGregor said: 'It was business savvy and business sense to make the fight happen. '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.'
UFC CEO Dana White had previously dismissed the possibility of the fight, reinforcing McGregor's claim that the decision was out of his hands.
McGregor also expressed frustration with Paul's lack of engagement during the talks, accusing him of staying silent when the negotiations needed momentum.
McGregor said, adding that his attempts to push for the bout were misrepresented: 'Logan, he just kept quiet, didn't say nothing.
The Irishman went on to add: 'With Logan, I was like, you need to say something... I wasn't talking to him directly. He put up this video and edited it like I'd sent him a voice note. 'I was talking to the f***ing crowd, that was the Ambani royal family of India, and then they were sending it to him, basically trying to get him to get going. I had no problem doing it.'
Despite the fight's collapse, McGregor remains open to participating in influencer boxing events, citing the financial allure of the burgeoning trend.
McGregor said: 'I am more inclined now for this influencer f***ing whatever you call it because it's astronomical money. 'It's astronomical, the figures, so who was that? Jake, Logan, and f***ing KSI. 'I like the three of these guys and then all the other ones that are tussling around. It's an interesting little side pocket branch we'll call it.'
McGregor's desire to stay active comes as he continues his long hiatus from competition. His last fight was in July 2021, when he suffered a leg break against Dustin Poirier.
Since then, his much-anticipated return to the octagon, including a planned fight against Michael Chandler, has been delayed by injuries and other issues.
For now, McGregor remains busy with outside ventures, including his role as part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
Teasing his potential future in bare-knuckle fighting, McGregor hinted at making an unannounced appearance in the ring someday, saying, 'One of these days you'll just hear my music go onto the stage... and out I come with my fists wrapped.'
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