FLOYD MAYWEATHER could take on Conor McGregor in the Octagon – as well as in a much-anticipated boxing rematch – for a world-record $1.5billion (£1.3bn) payday.
Money’s team is in talks with the UFC star’s team for a two-fight contract which will see the pair meet again in the boxing ring – followed by a second MMA fight, a source has claimed.
It would be the first time Mayweather, 45, has ever fought under MMA rules.
Both matches will be for official record and the undefeated champ is even willing to put his trademark TBE – The Best Ever – up for grabs, according to the insider.
The matches will take place in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia in 2023 if the contracts are drawn up, they added.
Money’s protege Gervonta Davis, 27, and rival Ryan Garcia, 24, are set to be the undercard for the boxing event – with the source saying that Mayweather Promotions has already sent out a contract.
READ MORE IN BOXING
It comes after Floyd confirmed he was in talks to fight the Dubliner, 34, again last month.
“Floyd is now in talks to step over into Octagon if the money is right,” a source in Money’s camp told SunSport.
“They are now looking to sign a two-fight contract worth $1.5bn (£1.3bn).
“The plan is that one fight will take place in Abu Dhabi and the other in Saudi Arabia.
Most read in Boxing
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
“So there will be a boxing fight and also an MMA fight under MMA rules.
“Floyd and Conor’s teams are in talks all this week.
“Davis has also sent Garcia a contract for a fight to take place before Conor and Floyd’s boxing match.
“If the deal is struck Floyd will remove the trademark TBE – The Best Ever – if he fails to beat Conor in both fights. That will be added to the contract.
“The boxing will be for official record. And the MMA match will also be for MMA official record.
“Right now they are looking for both fights to be carried out in 2023.”
Mayweather confirmed ongoing discussions with McGregor for a sequel next year in an interview with the Mail.
Then I have another exhibition Dubai in November and me and Conor McGregor in 2023
Floyd Mayweather
Ahead of his latest exhibition bout last weekend, in which he knocked out Japanese MMA fighter Mikuru Asakura, he said: “I want to go out there this weekend and have fun.
“Then I have another exhibition Dubai in November and me and Conor McGregor in 2023.
“We don’t know if it’s going to be an exhibition of a real fight. But there’s been talks of both. I would prefer an exhibition.”
SunSport first revealed talks for a blockbuster rematch with McGregor and how the rivals were negotiating the terms of a deal.
The boxing legend officially hung up his gloves in 2017 after beating McGregor in ten rounds in Las Vegas, in a bout that generated $500m (£450m).
Since then, Mayweather has had four exhibition bouts, not officially sanctioned or affecting his historic 50-0 record.
Next month he heads back to the Middle East to face YouTube boxing star Deji, 25, brother to social media sensation KSI, 29.
Mayweather first returned in December 2018, beating featherweight kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, 24, in one round.
He then faced YouTuber Logan Paul, 27, in June 2021 and was surprisingly taken the distance.
Mayweather also fought ex-sparring partner Don Moore, which he dominated over eight rounds.
Talk of a rematch with McGregor has persisted ever since the pair sold 4.3million pay-per-views and generated over £500m.
McGregor was allowed out of his contract by the UFC to face Mayweather – but has not boxed since.
UFC president Dana White recently spoke out against the rematch, saying he hoped it wouldn’t happen.
Read More on The Sun
McGregor, who has not fought since he broke his leg during a fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, has two fights left on his current UFC contract, meaning he would be free to fight Mayweather once his deal is up.
He is set to return next year but is currently filming a Roadhouse reboot alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, 41.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
