UFC boss Dana White confirmed he has reached a deal with Floyd Mayweather with the pair set to work on a “fun” event at the end of next year.
Boxing legend Mayweather announced on social media last month that he was “coming out of retirement in 2020” to work with MMA promoter White on a “spectacular event”.
Floyd Mayweather and UFC chief Dana White have reached a verbal agreement for a 2020 eventCredit: Splash News
It came just days after the duo were pictured courtside with each other at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
And White revealed the pair verbally agreed a deal there and then to work together – but it still remains a mystery whether Mayweather will be fighting – and in what capacity.
White, who is set to meet with Mayweather’s boxing advisor Al Haymon, told Jim Rome: “It’s true. We sat at the [Los Angeles] Clippers game.
“We started talking and we literally got a deal done right there on the court.
“And if things play out the way things Floyd and I think they will, I will probably sit down with Al Haymon in March and get a deal on paper.
“We could be doing something fun, probably. I think if everything goes our way, Floyd and I would be doing something in October or November.”
The pair worked together in 2017, as UFC superstar Conor McGregor crossed over to the ring losing to Mayweather in ten rounds.
It proved to be Money’s last pro contest, as he retired on a perfect 50-0 record.
But he made a cameo just a year later smashing Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukwa in a one-round exhibition bout in Tokyo – his only fight ever outside the US.
Mayweather, who pocketed £7million for beating up the featherweight boxing novice in two minutes, insisted he was retired in a professional capacity but has no problems fighting in exhibitions.
The boxer’s ‘spectacular event’ claim, mirrored by White revealing it will be ‘something fun’ begs the question in what way would Mayweather return.
Facing another UFC star, such as lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov a man who also beat McGregor, is a strong possibility with the two previously calling each other out.
But multi-millionaire Mayweather – who promoted himself and continues to still stage boxing events – could quite easily be joining White on the sidelines for the venture they are teasing.
White revealed before McGregor’s boxing debut two-years ago that he plans to have his own Zuffa Boxing promotion – but has not yet launched the company.
Floyd Mayweather shows off skills back in gym as Manny Pacquiao rematch rumours heat up
The least likely possibility, but most spectacular, as Mayweather would say, is the 42-year-old making a splash in the cage.
He told McGregor he would return the favour after their boxing bout and rematch in the UFC – though that turned out to be nothing but a wind up.
Mayweather did say, however, that he would fight in the octagon for a billion dollar paycheck – a number that even Money would accept if it meant his ego finally taking a denting.
Mayweather and White worked together as UFC star Conor McGregor made his boxing debut in 2017Credit: Reuters
Mayweather retired after beating McGregor but returned to face kickboixer Tenshin NasukawaCredit: AFP
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
