Conor McGregor has announced plans to delay his return to MMA, opting instead to engage in a boxing exhibition match against Logan Paul in India. The former two-weight UFC champion has not fought since suffering a leg injury during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021. Though initially scheduled to compete against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 this June, McGregor needed to withdraw due to a foot injury.
In a statement shared on social media, McGregor clarified, “The rumors of a bout with [Ilia Topuria] are false. I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”
Logan Paul, best known as a YouTuber, has participated in four exhibition boxing matches—with a draw and a defeat against KSI, a draw with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, and a win over MMA fighter Dillon Danis. Recently, he has also made headlines for his accolades in WWE, including winning the U.S. Championship in November 2023.
McGregor’s foray into professional boxing is limited to a single bout against Mayweather in 2017, which resulted in a TKO loss in the 10th round. His return to the spotlight has become complicated following a civil court ruling in Dublin, where he was ordered to pay €248,000 ($257,000) to a woman who alleged sexual assault. While McGregor has denied these allegations, claiming their encounter was consensual, he plans to appeal the court’s decision.
Currently, McGregor is not facing any criminal charges connected to the civil case, but his brand has suffered as several companies have withdrawn products associated with him.
In a positive light, McGregor’s upcoming exhibition fight with Paul could provide him an opportunity to re-engage with fans and reignite his illustrious career in the combat sports world, particularly as he prepares to eventually return to MMA. This unique matchup also showcases the crossover potential between traditional sports and entertainment, embodying the evolution of modern athletics.
Overall, as McGregor navigates these personal and professional challenges, fans will be keen to see how his boxing exhibition unfolds and what it means for his future in the ring.