Floyd Mayweather to McGregor: take care of business with the UFC, then we can make a deal

The biggest ongoing narrative in combat sports today surrounds a potential mega fight between semi-retired boxing great Floyd Mayweather and UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor. This potential showdown seems to generate new headlines every day, each often contrary to the previous one.

Late last week, for example, reports began to surface that McGregor and Mayweather had agreed on a deal. Shortly thereafter, Mayweather announced that, while no deal had been reached just yet, the fight itself was drawing “very, very close” to fruition.

More recently still, however, Mayweather took to Instagram with a series of posts explaining that his fight with McGregor is still far from a reality. Apparently, the boxing legend is still enjoying retirement and is far from having a bout signed. That said, he did assure that if McGregor is able to take care of his business with the UFC, the fight could become a reality. Mayweather’s words:

“There seems to be several rumors floating around media recently. However, let the record show, there hasn’t been any deals made in regards to a fight between myself and any other fighters. I am happily retired and enjoying life at this time. If any changes are to come, be sure that I will be the first to let the world to know.”

“Although there has been several rumors circulating thru media suggesting that I will have an upcoming fight, I’d like to set that record straight and state that there has been no deals made on my behalf in regards to a bout with any fighter at this time. I am happily retired and enjoying my life! Rest assured that if any changes come about, I will be the first to let the world know!”

“Listen, Conor McGregor, if you really want to get this fight done… take care of your business with the UFC and then have your people get in touch with my people.”

Earlier this week, there seemed to be real reasons for optimism that this bout might actually happen. Unfortunately, those reasons for optimism are dissipating as quickly as they appeared.

Do you think Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor will actually fight? Sound off, PENN Nation!