A barrage of legal woes, injuries, and other issues have halted the grand return of Conor McGregor to the Octagon. In a recent twist, the Irishman shocked the fighting community with a lateral confirmation about his return to the fighting arena, but not in the UFC—instead, in a boxing ring against Logan Paul. ‘The Notorious’ took to his X handle to announce, “The rumors of a bout with [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 and will then seek my return to the Octagon”

While fans are excited to wi͏tness the comeba͏ck of ͏’My͏stic Ma͏c,’ doubts remain regarding his l͏ega͏cy ͏after he faces Paul͏. ͏T͏here ͏are several fact͏or͏s to con͏side͏r͏ and the most prominent turns out that if this fight can increase h͏is brand value? The answer may l͏ean toward a negative outcome, and we͏ are here to ͏expl͏ain why.

Conor McGregor might get negative publicity for the fight

The recent civil lawsuit has severely damaged Conor McGregor’s reputation, leaving a significant blemish on the legacy of the former dual-weight UFC champion. The court ruled against McGregor, ordering him to pay €250,000 in damages, with the possibility of additional legal fees for the plaintiff nearing €1 million. Beyond the financial repercussions, McGregor has also faced professional setbacks, with companies like IO Interactive severing ties with the Irishman

This negative publicity comes at a particularly challenging time in McGregor’s career. Once celebrated for his achievements in the Octagon, his name now draws more controversy than acclaim. If McGregor were to take part in a fight against a YouTuber-turned-boxer, it could amplify the criticism he faces. Many in the combat sports community might view such a matchup as a publicity stunt, devoid of competitive merit.

Critics argue that such events tarnish the legacy of both boxing and MMA, reducing them to spectacles rather than preserving their storied traditions. The potential clash risks being labeled as an insult to combat sports, further eroding McGregor’s standing in the eyes of his peers and fans alike.

Moreover, the exhibition bout is not confirmed yet. According to Ariel Helwani, “But there are a lot of issues there. Again, Jake doesn’t want to negotiate if the UFC doesn’t get the bussing, and Conor can’t do this fight unless the UFC gives its blessings because he still has two fights left on the deal [contract]. I know that both fight entities and both fighter parties are interested. The question is; can they get over all the hurdles and roadblocks in order to make this a reality?” 

McGregor might see this fight as a way to win his fans back and get back into the winning column, but defeating someone much bigger than you is not a walk in the park. Let us have a look at what would happen if he loses his battle against the older Paul brother.

A loss against Logan Paul would mean rock bottom for the Irishman

Conor McGregor has faced a turbulent few years. His last two appearances in the Octagon resulted in consecutive defeats to Dustin Poirier, culminating in a devastating shin break in his most recent bout. That injury sidelined the former dual-weight UFC champion for three years, casting a shadow over his once-illustrious career. His much-anticipated return against Michael Chandler was also scrapped after McGregor suffered a pinky toe injury, further delaying his comeback.

In the aftermath, McGregor expressed an eagerness to fight multiple opponents, fueling speculation about a potential super fight with boxing champion Terence Crawford. However, talks never progressed, leaving fans disappointed. Now, with rumors of a clash with Logan Paul—a fight that could irreparably damage McGregor’s legacy.

A loss to Paul would not only undermine McGregor’s status as the first dual-weight UFC champion but also diminish his credibility within the combat sports world. For a fighter of McGregor’s stature, losing a high-profile bout to a YouTuber-turned-boxer could tarnish his brand and alienate his fanbase. Furthermore, a failed comeback could severely impact his marketability under the UFC banner, as diminished star power might leave him struggling to regain relevance in a sport he once dominated.

‘Mystic Mac’ would be a subject of hate just like all Paul brother’s opponents

The Paul brothers have become notorious for carefully selecting opponents based on metrics such as marketability, fan engagement, and, most importantly, star power. The duo have faced off against notable names like Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz—fighters with legendary reputations but often past their prime.

Unfortunately, a troubling trend has emerged for those who step into the ring with the Paul brothers: their relevance within the combat sports world tends to decline after these bouts. While the fights generate significant hype and lucrative paydays, they often leave the defeated opponents struggling to maintain their standing in the eyes of fans and critics alike. Facing a Paul brother may bring a temporary spotlight, but it can cast a long shadow over an athlete’s legacy in the competitive sphere of combat sports.

Despite his years of boxing dominance, Floyd Mayweather got a ton of flak in his performance against Logan Paul, with their highly publicized match not producing a winner (the exhibition bout didn’t have any judges or scoring criteria). A similar fate befell former UFC middleweight legend Anderson Silva when he suffered a shocking defeat via decision at the hands of Jake Paul.

Meanwhile, Nate Diaz’s clash with Jake Paul was equally controversial. After losing, Diaz was criticized heavily, with many claiming the fight diminished his reputation as one of the UFC’s toughest competitors. The latest chapter in the Paul brothers’ saga saw Jake Paul defeating boxing icon Mike Tyson, a match that sparked outrage across the boxing world. Fans accused Tyson of taking the fight at an age where such contests could undermine his legacy.

This brings us to the burning question: should Conor McGregor take on Logan Paul? While speculation points to a potential bout next year, it’s a decision that could greatly impact McGregor’s already wavering legacy. What do you think about a possible McGregor vs. Logan Paul matchup? Share your thoughts in the comments!