It looks as though Floyd Mayweather Vs Conor McGregor II will take place in the octagon but under modified rules…
It’s easy to write off what Floyd Mayweather has been saying as a publicity stunt. Is a 41-year-old really going to make their debut in MMA?
As unlikely as it sounds, there are real negotiations taking place to put Floyd in the octagon. Floyd himself is said to be the one pushing his team to take part in the talks. Floyd spoke to ESPN recently and said his boxing career is over but his MMA career might just be beginning.
“I would not box again,” Mayweather said to ESPN recently. “It is possible I do come back, but if I do come back, it has to be in the Octagon.
“I spoke with my team. I spoke with [adviser] Al Haymon. Al Haymon says no. I spoke with Showtime. I spoke with [Showtime parent company] CBS. If I do come back, Showtime and CBS have to be involved.”
The above statements indicate Floyd has spoken with lawyers regarding what would have to happen for him to switch sports. As Floyd mentioned, if he’s going to the UFC, Showtime and CBS will need to play a role. Dana White and Showtime’s Stephen Espinoza haven’t exactly been friendly as of late either.
Floyd Mayweather Wants To Fight MMA
The 50-0 boxer seemingly has nothing to gain by stepping into the cage. He has millions of dollars and a spotless legacy, what would he have to gain by stepping out of his element?
The likely answer is pride and even more millions of dollars.
“I’m thinking about fighting in the MMA, I’ve thought about it. … I started training in Miami. I look forward to fighting, probably by the end of the year. We don’t know. Right now it’s a 50-50 (chance), not a hundred percent. But we’ve started training.”
Floyd’s Team on UFC Debut
Floyd’s team do not want him to fight MMA, however. Those close to him, including his father, are not recommending he switch sports at this stage in his career. In the end, it is Floyd who makes the decisions, however.
In an interview with the Mayweather Boxing Channel, Floyd Sr. had this to say regarding his son’s future:
“I don’t know what the legacy is because as of now, he has enough money and he’s got enough to live until his life runs out,” he added. “I don’t even know how to say it because there ain’t no way to say it because everything is done right now, I wouldn’t [advise him to fight in MMA].”
“As his trainer, no, as his father, no. I want him to have all the money he’s got. The money he’s got, he’s got enough money – look here, it’s crazy money, man. He’s his own man though, that’s one thing about him.”
.@FloydMayweather will fight @TheNotoriousMMA in the octagon. With 4 ounce gloves, no shoes, 5-five minute rounds in 155 division.
No kicks, no take downs, no elbows, no knees. Certain things will be allowed like the clinch. pic.twitter.com/Gmv5koAG00
— Omar Al Raisi (@Dantani) April 8, 2018
Modified Rules for Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor II
As it turns out, however, there is ample reason to believe Mayweather’s team and the UFC have come to an agreement on modified rules for his UFC debut.
Editor-in-Chief of the Sports Journal, Omar Al Raisi, believes he has inside knowledge that a deal has been struck regarding modified MMA rules for Floyd’s first fight. The rules are said to include no kicking, takedowns, elbows or knees.
Co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions, UFC and McGregor Entertainment.
Last time I said McGregor will be a co-promoter, no body believed me. But again this is the right game, sources say things, but it changes very quickly! #MayMac2
Al Raisi would later clarify that nothing has been signed or made official but the above set of rules have been discussed.
