Conor McGregor believes he is the one calling the shots in MMA and boxing.
While Conor McGregor’s future is uncertain, as the Irishman has been embroiled in controversy inside and outside the cage, ‘The Notorious’ has made it clear that he wants to continue his career in prizefighting.
The question is, which sport?
The UFC lightweight champion fought 10 rounds with pound-for-pound boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr. in August, losing via 10th round TKO, and, despite claiming that he would return to the Octagon to defend his lightweight title, McGregor has left the door open to another potential bout in the boxing ring.
Speaking to his sponsor Betsafe, per Oscar Willis of The Mac Life, McGregor said that fighters in both MMA and boxing must ‘lobby’ for fights with him, as he has transcended the fight game.
“My focus is getting back into the right ring or Octagon,” McGregor said. “2017 was historic. I have transcended both the sport of MMA and boxing. At this stage of my career, as it has been for the majority of my UFC career, potential opponents must lobby for fights with me. We could see Conor McGregor anywhere. I run the fight game, the fashion game, the whiskey game, or whatever the next business endeavor might be.”
McGregor didn’t give a specific date for his return, but the 29-year-old talent hopes to be back in the cage or ring for the right paycheck next year.
“I have every intention of fighting in 2018 if my compensation and business development endeavors accurately reflect my influence on combat sports.”
The SBG Ireland standout has teased at championship bouts with Tony Ferguson and Max Holloway, while former sparring partner and retired boxer Paulie Malignaggi wants to settle the score with McGregor in the boxing ring.