Morning Report: Conor McGregor reacts to Floyd Mayweather saying he wouldn't fight in the UFC
On Wednesday, Dana White momentarily shook up the MMA world when he announced that rumors circulating about Floyd Mayweather Jr. in MMA were true and that the UFC was having “real” talks with him about fighting in the cage. The MMA world was quickly abuzz with the possibility and fighters began lining up for the opportunity to be the one to welcome the all-time great boxer into the land of knees and grappling.
All the fervor was short-lived however, as not long after the story broke, Mayweather refuted White’s claims, saying that his comments were misinterpreted. While never denying that he was in talks with the UFC, Mayweather said that his previous comments were just him saying that he could jump over to the UFC and “make a billion dollars,” not that he would. In fact, he ended the statement by saying that he was “not gonna do that though.”
That must have been music to the ears of Mayweather’s last opponent, UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor who took to social media, and in as succinct a fashion as possible, let Mayweather know exactly how he felt about the big tease from his former opponent.
McGregor and Mayweather boxed earlier this year in “The Money Fight,” a cross-promotional superfight that ended up being the second biggest Pay-Per-View event of all time, generating almost $600 million in revenue. After the fight, Mayweather retired from boxing but those type of numbers led many to believe a rematch of some kind could be in the offing. And with Mayweather specifically keeping the door open by saying, “We just don’t know what the future holds for Floyd Mayweather,” let the games begin, again.
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209. Nate Diaz says fighters calling him out need to “ask nicely, motherf*ckers.”
PFL. Fighter threatens to sue Professional Fighters League, Ray Sefo responds.
RDA. Santiago Ponzinibbio suggests a title eliminator bout with Rafael dos Anjos next.
VIDEO STEW
One of the KO’s of the Year this year.
The big Nate Diaz interview.
Floyd saying nah. . . sort of.
T-Wood talking Floyd in the UFC.
Floyd is everywhere.
A look at Volkan training.
Woodley behind the scenes at UFC 218.
LISTEN UP
The MMA Circus. Recapping UFC Winnipeg.
Heavy Hands. Breaking down Rafael dos Anjos’ big win over Tyron woodley.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Everyone wants in.
@floydmayweather vs I’ll move up 20 pounds to welcome you proper pic.twitter.com/R400vMz0dX
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) December 20, 2017
I’m down to stand and trade with @FloydMayweather in the Octagon
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) December 20, 2017
But they don’t believe.
I will do the Riverdance naked the day Mayweather fights in the ufc. Absolutely never going to happen. Not ever. pic.twitter.com/yAUbche7OC
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) December 20, 2017
I know fourteen year old kids that would ruin Mayweather in an MMA fight. He's not silly enough to step into the Octagon. https://t.co/MBhj9CkGVX
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) December 20, 2017
Floyd is a master of staying relevant without a fight.
— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) December 20, 2017
If you think for 1 second Floyd is going to do an MMA Fight and risk tarnishing his GOAT legacy you’re dumber than he would be if he actually did it.
Lol.
If @francis_ngannou is punching me in the face. @John_Kavanagh better fucking drop it like it’s hot from every window to wall in the god damn building https://t.co/eRn9bhxuiy
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) December 20, 2017
Beef.
Dealing with a small injury, be fresh again in no-time. I would love to stomp your fuckin head in right around then. https://t.co/v3BdYUXx1x
— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) November 28, 2017
Gets healed up real quick when he isn’t fighting me I guess https://t.co/wDEBlhbghK
— Jeremy Kennedy (@JeremyKennedyWC) December 20, 2017
Got the call to fight a top 15 and took it. If you ever put a little excitement in your fights maybe you’ll get the chance too, big guy. https://t.co/FKkY4F4wFU
— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) December 21, 2017
Congrats on the fight. But u talk about excitement like ur amazing to watch.Only excitement is the HLreel finishes in ur 3/4ufc losses..☕️ https://t.co/FtJV1M9iu8
— Jeremy Kennedy (@JeremyKennedyWC) December 21, 2017
Covington.
I've got #Swirlies on deck for all you nerds! No one is safe from #NerdBash2018 @RdosAnjosMMA #interim pic.twitter.com/VgWjLdC78L
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) December 20, 2017
Not sure 452 likes is cutting it for GSP’s big fight plans.
Looking forward to Fighting you also @GeorgesStPierre Tell egg to get out of the way https://t.co/xGz3QY2Ta2
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 20, 2017
Triple platinum or we all failed.
But wait! There’s more! Act now and I’ll throw in a free gift! Make your lover swoon this Valentine’s Day! pic.twitter.com/4TAX9OA5xR
— Jim Miller (@JimMiller_155) December 20, 2017
Chase Sherman is a savage.
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) December 20, 2017
Got yo ass
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) December 20, 2017
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mirsad Bektic (11-1) vs. Godofredo Pepey (13-5); UFC Charlotte, Jan. 27.
Andre Fili (17-5) vs. Dennis Bermudez (16-7); UFC Charlotte, Jan. 27.
Damir Hadzovic (11-3) vs. Alan Patrick (14-1); UFC Belem, Feb. 3.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
1997: At UFC Japan: Ultimate Ultimate, Randy Couture became the UFC heavyweight champion by winning a decision over Maurice Smith. Also that evening, Frank Shamrock became the inaugural light heavyweight champion, submitting Olympic gold medalist Kevin Jackson with an armbar in 22 seconds.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m not saying Floyd comes to MMA, but I’m also not willing to say he doesn’t. Generating the GDP of a small nation with only a fight is a massive incentive to get back in and do it again, as many times as they can sell it.
And let’s be clear here, none of the parties involved here are dumb. Mayweather could come to the UFC and fight Conor and expect to receive a light touch. Maybe he takes Floyd down, maybe Floyd escapes a position, they stand up for a bit, then eventually Conor taps Floyd gently. Everyone wins and it sets up the greatest trilogy fight of all time, Conor vs. Floyd: Knight Fights.
That’s all for today folks. Take it easy and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
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