It seems MMA fans might have to put their hopes of seeing Conor McGregor back in the UFC on hold. Reports suggest that “The Notorious” is instead in talks for an exhibition boxing match with Logan Paul, set to take place in India. This would mark McGregor’s return to the boxing ring since his high-profile defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in August 2017 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. Meanwhile, Logan Paul, the YouTuber-turned-WWE star, last stepped into the ring for an exhibition bout against Mayweather on June 6th, 2021, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The rumored clash between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul is said to be spearheaded by India’s Ambani family, one of the richest families in the world, with a net worth surpassing $100 billion. However, there’s only one problem in the fight which could take place according to a MMA expert.

Ariel Helwani feels Jake Paul might be more interested in a fight with Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor may have announced plans for an exhibition boxing match backed by India’s Ambani family, but UFC CEO Dana White could play a crucial role in bringing it to fruition. Since both McGregor and Logan Paul are connected to TKO Holdings, which owns the UFC and WWE, securing promotional approval should be relatively straightforward. The fight offers mutual benefits—McGregor could tap into a younger audience, while Paul could enhance his standing among combat sports fans.

Dana White’s upcoming Zuffa Boxing could serve as a platform for similar crossover events, using high-profile matchups like this to draw attention, boost revenue, and provide support for traditional boxers. This approach aligns with White’s vision for his new venture. If, and only if White allows the move to happen, Jake Paul might involve himself in this particular fight. ‘The Problem Child’ and ‘Mystic Mac’ have had quite a bit of altercation on social media in the past, and a matchup between them might interest the fans more than McGregor’s matchup with the older Paul.

Ariel Helwani sat down for a chat with

‘The Boys in Back’ to share his honest opinion on the entire situation. One of the questions raised on the show was, “Conor McGregor needs the UFC ‘S blessing clearly. But if he gets that blessing would the fight still be Logan versus Conor?” Helwani was quick to respond, “Fantastic follow up and it might change things. Because again I was told by multiple parties that Jake is the one that they want to be in business with.” The veteran journalist pondered whether this could brew up tensions between the two brother who have a history of butting heads on their podcasts, while also considering Jake Paul’s troubled relationship with Dana White and the UFC, who are in much better terms with Logan Paul. Would Dana White get involved if it was Jake and not Logan Paul?

 

On the other hand, Conor McGregor still has two fights left in his UFC contract, and it will be interesting to see if the UFC head honcho would let him box over coming back to the UFC to fight out his contract. In all of this, you might be asking yourself,

“Why did he choose Logan Paul?” And you wouldn’t be alone in that thought. After all, McGregor previously shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather in a half-a-billion-dollar spectacle. Facing Logan, who’s better known for his YouTube videos and podcast than for boxing accolades, feels like an unusual matchup. However, Stephen A. Smith has a completely different take on the whole subject.

McGregor vs Paul might just be an interesting fight feels Stephen A. Smith

Conor McGregor’s 2024 has been nothing short of chaotic, marked by canceled fights and a headline-grabbing civil lawsuit. Yet, amidst the turmoil, the Irish superstar managed to surprise fans globally with a major revelation on social media. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts, who are weighing the potential upsides and drawbacks of this much-talked-about exhibition bout. Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has also chimed in, sharing a blend of enthusiasm and optimism about the proposed matchup.

In an ESPN interview, Stephen A. Smith shared his perspective, highlighting that the fight would primarily be an entertainment spectacle. He also drew a comparison to Jake Paul‘s boxing career, taking a subtle jab at Logan Paul’s own path in the sport. He said, “I appreciate this fight because it’s pure entertainment—it’s an exhibition,”. Smith further added, “It isn’t Jake Paul training with professional boxers and essentially being a professional boxer, but getting in the ring with non-boxers or geriatric dudes. He’s not doing that. Logan Paul is not doing that. He’s getting into the ring as an entertainer”.

Smith also voiced concerns about McGregor’s preparedness for an MMA return, warning that rushing back into the sport without adequate preparation could lead to serious consequences for the Irishman. In his analysis, Smith didn’t shy away from giving Logan Paul some credit, even suggesting that Logan might hold an advantage over McGregor in an exhibition boxing match.

Who do you think will the fight between the two if and when it happens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.