In a new interview, Conor McGregor speaks out about Floyd Mayweather teasing a potential move to mixed martial arts, and what he thinks about Ronda Rousey’s crossover into the world of pro-wrestling.
Mayweather posted two videos this week showing him stepping into the cage and questioning what the odds are that he’ll fight in MMA this year, and while it appears to be a clever bit of viral marketing for his betting sponsor Paddy Power, it’s not surprising that McGregor would welcome it if the legendary boxer did decide to do it.
“I’d do as I please against him inside the Octagon,” McGregor told reporter Adam Glyn in New York ahead of a charity event. “But if he does do it – I know he’s flirting with it – I would have respect for him. I think he would get his earned respect.”
However, if it is just a publicity stunt then McGregor warns that it will backfire of the boxer.
“If it is (all talk), it will follow him for the rest of his days that he did not do it,” McGregor said. “I said I would (fight him in boxing), I stepped up, and I did it.”
That being said, for now McGregor is exploring a number of options for his next fight, so he’s not just waiting around for Mayweather.
“I’m currently in negotiations to face my next opponent,” McGregor said. “We have many options. There’s the current interim lightweight champion [Tony Ferguson], there’s an undefeated Dagestani [Khabib Nurmagomedov], maybe a big Russian event. There’s obviously the Nate Diaz trilogy. Of course, the Mayweather fight is there.
“There’s many options (and) we’re at the table at the moment. Times are good, life is good.”
McGregor was also asked for his thoughts on fellow UFC superstar Ronda Rousey signing for the WWE, and the Irishman gave her his full support.
“I’m delighted for her. Absolutely over the moon for her,” McGregor said with genuine enthusiasm.
“She looked like she really enjoyed herself at the event. And I was very happy to see her. She’s a pioneer for the game. She’s came through it all and faced big wins and big losses and she came through it.
“It’s great to see her represent herself and mixed martial arts and have fun in the WWE. I know she’s been a big fan all her life, so it’s great to see that.”
