The heat between UFC lightweight champ Conor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. continues to build up ahead of their rumored boxing match superfight. The two men have repeatedly exchanged barbs at one another through the media, and what once started out as nothing more than playful trash-talk between the two combat sports stars
The heat between UFC lightweight champ Conor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. continues to build up ahead of their rumored boxing match superfight.
The two men have repeatedly exchanged barbs at one another through the media, and what once started out as nothing more than playful trash-talk between the two combat sports stars has now sparked the legitimate possibility of the fight coming to fruition. Mayweather has asked for a $100 million price tag to step into the squared circle with the heavy-handed Irish champ, unwilling to give McGregor more than a $25 million payday.
UFC President Dana White responded to Mayweather’s offer by countering with a ‘real offer’ of $25 million each in addition to splitting pay-per-view (PPV) revenue. Both sides continue to banter over who is the ‘A side’ when it comes to finances, leading ‘Money’ to fire his latest shot at ‘The Notorious One’s’ bank account.
Mayweather took to Twitter to post a picture comparing he and his Irish adversary’s net worth:
Before you ask for $25M, be worth more than $25M. You have the "2" and the "5" right but you meant to say $2.5M not $25M. pic.twitter.com/07vaWF0hen
“Before you ask for $25M, be worth more than $25M. You have the “2” and the “5” right but you meant to say $2.5M not $25M.”
The boxing discussions have extended beyond McGregor vs. Mayweather talk, however, as it was announced that UFC lightweight Nate Diaz is also closing in on getting a boxing license in Nevada, coming just shortly after McGregor acquired his in California.
What do you think all of this could mean? Is Diaz considering a career switch? Where does he stand in the McGregor vs. Mayweather talk? And will the bout between ‘Mystic Mac’ and ‘Money’ ever see the light of day?
UFC bad boy and two-time Conor McGregor opponent Nate Diaz is allegedly gearing towards acquiring a professional boxing license in Nevada.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has confirmed to ESPN.com that Diaz is working through the motions of securing the licence to box in Nevada.
Diaz has allegedly paid a $50,000 fine the NSAC handed him last month pertaining to a fracas with “The Notorious” prior to their last bout at UFC 202 in August. NSAC executive director Bob Bennett commented:
“Nate paid his fine and has requested a boxing license. Upon his submission of the required licensing information, we expect to approve his license as of this date.
“We welcome Nate and his older brother, Nick, to fight in Las Vegas, whether it’s with the UFC or a boxing promoter.”
Diaz has apparently provided [boxing] sparring footage for the commission to review, in accordance with his application.
No word has been heard from the Stockton native regarding this news, however.
Floyd Mayweather Jr recently spoke out regarding Diaz, and the UFC veteran’s growing frustration at his employers since his last fight with the Dubliner:
“When I talked to Nate Diaz, he told me [the UFC] had put him on the shelf,” Mayweather said. “He said, ‘Since the second fight with Conor McGregor, they put me on the shelf. I’m ready to stay busy, stay active.’
“Nate Diaz even talked to me about coming to box.”
Diaz follows Conor McGregor in obtaining a boxing license with the intention to cross disciplines. In November 2016, McGregor successfully obtained a professional boxing license in the state of California.
The fan favorite has been vocal in his desires to fight only “The Notorious” in his next fight, and could potentially be a backup fighter to Mayweather should McGregor be set on making the leap from the octagon to the squared circle.
The question is: if McGregor and Diaz met in the ring, who would hold the upper hand?
UFC bad boy and two-time Conor McGregor opponent Nate Diaz is allegedly gearing towards acquiring a professional boxing license in Nevada.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has confirmed to ESPN.com that Diaz is working through the motions of securing the licence to box in Nevada.
Diaz has allegedly paid a $50,000 fine the NSAC handed him last month pertaining to a fracas with “The Notorious” prior to their last bout at UFC 202 in August. NSAC executive director Bob Bennett commented:
“Nate paid his fine and has requested a boxing license. Upon his submission of the required licensing information, we expect to approve his license as of this date.
“We welcome Nate and his older brother, Nick, to fight in Las Vegas, whether it’s with the UFC or a boxing promoter.”
Diaz has apparently provided [boxing] sparring footage for the commission to review, in accordance with his application.
No word has been heard from the Stockton native regarding this news, however.
Floyd Mayweather Jr recently spoke out regarding Diaz, and the UFC veteran’s growing frustration at his employers since his last fight with the Dubliner:
“When I talked to Nate Diaz, he told me [the UFC] had put him on the shelf,” Mayweather said. “He said, ‘Since the second fight with Conor McGregor, they put me on the shelf. I’m ready to stay busy, stay active.’
“Nate Diaz even talked to me about coming to box.”
Diaz follows Conor McGregor in obtaining a boxing license with the intention to cross disciplines. In November 2016, McGregor successfully obtained a professional boxing license in the state of California.
The fan favorite has been vocal in his desires to fight only “The Notorious” in his next fight, and could potentially be a backup fighter to Mayweather should McGregor be set on making the leap from the octagon to the squared circle.
The question is: if McGregor and Diaz met in the ring, who would hold the upper hand?
Chael Sonnen spoke to TMZ ahead of his Bellator 170 bout versus fellow UFC legend Tito Ortiz, where “The American Gangster” offered his opinion on Ronda Rousey’s flaws.
“Hey, if you can get some rounds in with Floyd, go do it – don’t forget, Floyd’s a great boxer, he’s not a trainer, he’s never trained anybody.
“If Ronda’s got some time to go work with him, I think she should take him up on it, because that is still Floyd and I’d think it’d be a cool experience, but I’m talking about an hour and then call it good.”
Sonnen seems to think that Mayweather could offer some much needed guidance to the ex-champ:
“I would have to think that he could [impart some knowledge], in fairness,” Sonnen said. “But, I think we could all agree what makes people great players does not make them great coaches. It usually doesn’t transfer. I’m just talking about for a cameo, for some PR stuff, for something for us to talk about over here at TMZ, let’s do it.”
Chael Sonnen is a master of self-promotion; expect more from the UFC legend in the coming days.
Watch the full clip (courtesy of TMZ Sports) below:
Chael Sonnen spoke to TMZ ahead of his Bellator 170 bout versus fellow UFC legend Tito Ortiz, where “The American Gangster” offered his opinion on Ronda Rousey’s flaws.
“Hey, if you can get some rounds in with Floyd, go do it – don’t forget, Floyd’s a great boxer, he’s not a trainer, he’s never trained anybody.
“If Ronda’s got some time to go work with him, I think she should take him up on it, because that is still Floyd and I’d think it’d be a cool experience, but I’m talking about an hour and then call it good.”
Sonnen seems to think that Mayweather could offer some much needed guidance to the ex-champ:
“I would have to think that he could [impart some knowledge], in fairness,” Sonnen said. “But, I think we could all agree what makes people great players does not make them great coaches. It usually doesn’t transfer. I’m just talking about for a cameo, for some PR stuff, for something for us to talk about over here at TMZ, let’s do it.”
Chael Sonnen is a master of self-promotion; expect more from the UFC legend in the coming days.
Watch the full clip (courtesy of TMZ Sports) below:
The fantasy boxing match-up between UFC lightweight champ Conor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be slowly turning into reality, but not without the concoction of a bad-blood feud between the two sides first. ‘Money’ stated he wants a $100 million price tag to show up for a boxing match with ‘Notorious,’ and
The fantasy boxing match-up between UFC lightweight champ Conor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be slowly turning into reality, but not without the concoction of a bad-blood feud between the two sides first.
‘Money’ stated he wants a $100 million price tag to show up for a boxing match with ‘Notorious,’ and is willing to hand over the UFC champ a paycheck worth no more than $15 million for the super fight. UFC President Dana White made an appearance on The Herd to respond to Mayweather’s offer, countering with a ‘real offer’ of $25 million each and pay-per-view (PPV) points.
During an appearance backstage at this past weekend’s Baduo Jack vs. James DeGale fight (via MMA Fighting), as Jack is signed to Mayweather promotions, the former multiple-time WBO champ explained why $25 million isn’t enough for his services:
“The last time I made $25 million – actually I made more – but the last time I made $25 million was 10 years ago,” Mayweather said. “I’m not bragging or boasting I’m just telling the truth. I’m appreciative and thankful, $25 million is still great money. But for the last, I don’t know how many years, my guaranteed lowest was like, 32, a little bit over 32 [million dollars].
“In the Canelo [Alvarez] fight I made over $100 million in that fight and just in two fights, [Manny] Pacquiao and Canelo, those two fights, somewhere upwards of $400 million. $400 million or better. Sponsorship money leading up to the Pacquiao fight, that week I made 25 to 30 million [dollars]. So these are my numbers. They can say, ‘Floyd’s lying’ all they want to. If I was so desperate and hurting for money I would come back.”
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 13: Floyd Mayweather Jr. looks on while taking on Marcos Maidana during their WBC/WBA welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 13, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Mayweather would then go on to label White as a ‘small boss’ compared to former UFC owners the Fertitta brothers, and recalled a time where the UFC president used to carry his bags after ‘Money’ would wear the Bullenbeisser patch on his fight trunks for him:
“I don’t want to talk to Dana White,” Mayweather said. “Remember, Dana White, he was a player he was a boss but he was a small boss. The big bosses were the Fertittas. But then the Fertitta’s chose to sell the UFC so Dana is just an employee. Dana White – I like Dana White, I don’t have anything against him – but I can remember Dana White used to hang around me and Jeff Mayweather and carry my bags.
“Dana White, I remember when you used to carry my bags. And remember Dana White, I showed you love. You had the little Bullenbeisser patch I wore on my trunks for you, Dana. I’ve always been good to you. But then all of the sudden he cut his head bald and he’s such a tough guy. He’s such a tough guy.”
The relationship Mayweather is referring to with White dates back 20 years after ‘Money’s’ bronze medal win in the 1996 Olympic games. After making the jump to professional boxing Mayweather ,would wear the Bullenbeisser Boxing equipment patch on his fight shorts for his first few pro bouts, a company then owned by the now-UFC president.
Mayweather would end the interview by asking why White is making more money than McGregor, when it is the heavy-handed Irishman who is going out to engage in combat for 25 minutes or less:
“All I’ve got to say is this, why every time Conor McGregor go out there and fight, Dana White is still an employee but Dana White makes more money than Conor McGregor when McGregor go out there and fight?”
You can check out Mayweather’s interview regarding his past relationship with White here:
Last night was a big one for Floyd Mayweather. Now retired, ‘Money’ has been focusing a lot of time and energy on the next generation of boxers. Among those promising prospects is Swedish ‘Ripper’ Badou Jack. Facing James DeGale in a highly anticipated unification bout last night, fireworks were delivered. Jack signed to Mayweather promotions
Last night was a big one for Floyd Mayweather. Now retired, ‘Money’ has been focusing a lot of time and energy on the next generation of boxers. Among those promising prospects is Swedish ‘Ripper’ Badou Jack. Facing James DeGale in a highly anticipated unification bout last night, fireworks were delivered. Jack signed to Mayweather promotions four years ago, and since then won the WBC super middleweight title. With the IBF belt in hand, the Brit DeGale also came prepared for war. Fans in Brooklyn, New York were treated to a thrilling 12-round battle.
Trading knockdowns, the two shared some particularly narrow rounds. Scoring the bout 114-112 for DeGale, and 113 even, the judges left the door open for a rematch. Highlights are available at the foot of the article.
Mandatory Credit: USA Today Boxing
Mayweather’s Ringside Comments
True to his nature, Mayweather was promoting yet again, and not only the boxing match featuring his protégé. Responding to questions about the heavily rumoured bout with Conor McGregor, ‘Money’ added more fuel to the fire, as quoted by Bloody Elbow:
“(I) Absolutely (want to fight Conor McGregor). I’m a businessman… We can do some crazy numbers. If it’s Conor McGregor, [coming back] makes sense for me. But if it’s anyone else, it doesn’t make sense. Not for me.”
For the first time since this whole saga began, UFC president Dana White gave the fight some credibility this week. Offering McGregor and Mayweather $25 million plus PPV points, White put out the first legitimate purse.
Wouldn’t It Be Nice
Star power and money fights have taken MMA in a strange direction lately. Aside from the massive pay-per-view draw it would be, it would be interesting to see the MMA vs. boxing story play out.
Here are some of the highlights from Badou Jack vs. James DeGale in New York last night:
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has suffered her second consecutive mixed martial arts (MMA) loss after taking over a year off following her first defeat, as she was finished in only 48 seconds by current 135-pound champ Amanda Nunes in devastating fashion. This is the second loss in a row Rousey has suffered to
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has suffered her second consecutive mixed martial arts (MMA) loss after taking over a year off following her first defeat, as she was finished in only 48 seconds by current 135-pound champ Amanda Nunes in devastating fashion.
This is the second loss in a row Rousey has suffered to an elite striker, leading many to question whether or not ‘Rowdy’s’ current coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, has enough elite MMA experience to be coaching a championship-caliber fighter.
One man who has had a tremendous amount of success in the boxing world, and believes he can solve Rousey’s striking problems in no time at all, is uncle of legendary undefeated boxing legend Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Jr., Jeff Mayweather. During a recent interview with Helen Yee of Eyes on the Game, Mayweather stated that if Rousey does decide to remain with Tarverdyan she might as well just retire:
“I think if she doesn’t, she might as well just retire,” Mayweather said. “If she continues doing what she’s doing with the same guy, she’s not gonna get no better. That’s already proven.”
Mayweather is no stranger to coaching fighters who compete in the elite levels of MMA, as he has taken combatants such as Muhammad “King Mo” Lawal and Roy Nelson under his wing. Now the former IBO junior lightweight champion says he’s willing to take on training Rousey as well, and he believes he can solve her problems in the stand-up game in a matter of only two to three months:
“I would say probably, maybe two to three months,” Mayweather said. “She knows how to fight, but it’s just that she hasn’t been taught the right way, that’s all. So I don’t think it would take that long.”
After suffering yet another lopsided defeat inside the Octagon many have begun to question if we will ever see the former Olympic Judoka fight again. If Rousey does make the decision to return, however, do you believe Tarverdyan will remain in her corner?
You can check out Mayweather’s full interview with Helen Yee here:
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After suffering yet another lopsided defeat inside the Octagon many have begun to question if we will ever see the former Olympic Judoka fight again. If Rousey does make the decision to return, however, do you believe Tarverdyan will remain in her corner?