Perhaps it’s not just a UFC contract getting in the way of the biggest combat sports spectacle of all time.
The largest stumbling block in getting the much-discussed super-fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather over the line was thought to be the Irishman’s exclusive deal with the UFC.
But there may be a few more elements of the negotiation process getting in the way of the bout as it sounds like neither man can agree on a date.
Mayweather is currently in the midst of a tour of the United Kingdom and it was during a stop-off in Liverpool that he confirmed his intention to come out of retirement for one fight only.
“For Conor McGregor, I’m coming out of retirement. Just to fight Conor McGregor,” Mayweather said in a sit-down interview with Johnny Nelson.
“I don’t want to hear any more excuses about the money, about the UFC… Sign the paper with the UFC so you can fight me in June.
“Simple and plain, let’s fight in June!”
Plenty of fight fans are predicting that McGregor’s next fight will take place outside the Octagon, opposite Mayweather, but ‘The Notorious’ is reportedly aiming for a later date than his rival would care for.
McGregor announced late last year that he would be taking a lengthy break away from the fight game so that he can be present for the birth of his son.
For all those who love/hate the @TheNotoriousMMA @FloydMayweather talk, @mickconlan11 says Conor told him the fight will happen in Sept.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) March 9, 2017
The Irishman initially suggested that his partner was expected to give birth in May, although he has since claimed that the baby could arrive as early as April.
And according to Irish pro-boxer and McGregor’s close friend, Michael Conlan, ‘The Notorious’ is aiming for a September date for the monster clash with Mayweather.
“He said in September, it’s on!” Conlan told Villainfy Media of McGregor’s plans.
It would make sense for McGregor to prefer more time to prepare for a boxing debut against one of the greatest to ever grace the ring while Mayweather is not getting any younger, having turned 40 two weeks ago, so he will want to face McGregor sooner rather than later and return to retirement an even richer man.
