Last year, there were wild rumors that Conor McGregor and Logan Paul had come to terms on an agreement for a boxing bout. This week, UFC CEO Dana White explained why he shot down the idea of the bout featuring his contracted fighter.
The last time fight fans saw McGregor compete in a fight was nearly five years ago. Since breaking his leg in a second straight loss to rival Dustin Poirier, there have been all sorts of rumors and reports about his return to action. The most notable was two different planned fights against Michael Chandler in 2023 and 2024.
One of the more bizarre came out last year and claimed that members of McGregor and Paul’s camp had agreed to terms for a boxing bout. The current WWE star has taken part in freak show bouts in the past, including against Floyd Mayweather in 2021. The Irishman also had a one-fight foray into the sweet science to face Mayweather nine years ago. So while it seemed odd, it wasn’t necessarily ridiculous.
However, that scrap with the boxing icon in 2017 was approved and co-promoted by his long-time UFC boss. Since he is still under contract to the MMA promotion despite being MIA since 2021, McGregor would again need approval from White if he wanted to compete outside the promotion.
Dana White says weight difference was why he blocked McGregor vs. Paul fight
Well, the UFC CEO had no interest in the idea and explained why during a recent appearance on Paul’s popular podcast, Impaulsive. “Yeah, you’re f****** huge. Conor weighs 145 pounds, 155 pounds,” White said when asked by Paul why he wouldn’t approve the fight.
The comments also came after the CEO claimed he has no problem with the outside-the-box fights that Paul and his brother Jake book. He just wishes they would compete against people their own size more often. Paul had a 34-pound weight advantage when he faced the boxing legend.
Conor McGregor is rumored to compete at the UFC’s card on the lawn of the White House in June.
