Conor McGregor has publicly teased that negotiations for a high-stakes boxing rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. remain active behind the scenes. Speaking during a media appearance just days before his UFC return, the former two-weight champion confirmed that dialogue between the two camps is a constant fixture.
The Irishman’s comments, published July 9, suggest that the door is firmly open for a sequel to the 2017 “Money Fight,” which remains one of the most commercially successful events in combat sports history.
Conor McGregor hints at persistent dialogue with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The timing of these revelations is significant as Conor McGregor prepares to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 this Saturday, July 12, 2026. While he hasn’t competed in five years, the Dubliner appears focused on clearing his current MMA hurdles before returning to the squared circle.
“There’s conversations ongoing always with the boy,” McGregor told TMZ Sports. “That’s the truth. So, I’m open for it. I’ll do this again with little Floyd.”
Conor McGregor insists that the structural framework for a second fight has never truly been dismantled. Since his initial foray into professional boxing, where he was stopped in ten rounds by Floyd Mayweather Jr., his career has been marked by massive financial windfalls and shifting competitive priorities.
However, the lure of a second crossover remains strong. He described his relationship with the boxing legend as being “like this,” gesturing to indicate a persistent link between the two biggest stars in their respective sports.
This dialogue persists even as both men manage complex professional schedules. While boxing matches delayed by contract talks are common in the industry, the specific financial gravity of a Mayweather-McGregor sequel often creates its own momentum. McGregor is currently under contract for two further bouts with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), but he has previously demonstrated the ability to bridge promotional gaps for unique opportunities.
Financial turbulence and the motivation for a sequel
The incentive for a second meeting is high, particularly given the financial landscape for both fighters. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has remained busy in the exhibition circuit, though he has reportedly dealt with monetary turbulence, including being threatened by the IRS over unpaid taxes. A professional-grade rematch with Conor McGregor would represent a massive capital injection.
Mayweather previously indicated in late 2022 that he would require at least $100 million to consider stepping back into the ring for such a sequel.
For Floyd Mayweather Jr., the path to a rematch has been complicated by other boxing commitments. He was recently linked to exhibition bouts against Mike Tyson and Mike Zambidis, as well as a potential professional rematch with Manny Pacquiao. However, all those plans have been postponed as he deals with legal battles over contractual details.
If these disputes are resolved, the road to McGregor could clear, provided the Irishman finishes his current UFC obligations under CEO Dana White.
UFC 329 serves as a critical test for Conor McGregor
Before any boxing talk can turn into a signed contract, Conor McGregor must navigate his comeback at the T-Mobile Arena. His fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329 this weekend serves as a definitive litmus test for his physical standing.
Having suffered a severe leg injury in 2021, the Irishman needs to prove he can still compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. A dominant performance would skyrocket the demand for a boxing return, while a loss could make the Mayweather clash a final, lucrative “cash-out” option.
The historical importance of their first meeting cannot be overstated. The 2017 encounter ranks as the second highest-selling bout of the 21st century, trailing only the long-anticipated collision between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Because it generated hundreds of millions of dollars, promoters view a sequel as “enormous business” regardless of the competitive gap.
Fans often look back at the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua sparring stories or major heavyweight build-ups, but the McGregor-Mayweather phenomenon exists in a separate commercial tier.
Managing legacy and future professional obligations
Risks for Conor McGregor remain substantial. A second loss to an aging Floyd Mayweather Jr. could impact how fans view his legacy as a dual-sport athlete. However, he has consistently defied conventional wisdom, prioritizing high-stakes missions over safe career moves. Much like when Terence Crawford or Canelo Alvarez discuss their future plans, McGregor views his career through a lens of unprecedented business achievements.
If the outcome of UFC 329 is favorable, McGregor will have significant leverage to dictate his next move. He has expressed interest in chasing a title at 170 pounds in the octagon, but “solving the Mayweather puzzle” is a task he clearly feels is unfinished business.
For now, the combat sports world will be watching the T-Mobile Arena this Saturday, knowing that every punch thrown against Holloway could bring the world closer to another “Money Fight.”
