Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor is a serious case study of the dwindling effects of a global superstar in UFC/MMA. McGregor has not fought for three-and-half years. There was a glimmer of hope where YouTuber-prizefighter, sometimes-boxer, and current WWE ‘Maverick’ Logan Paul was willing to box him. But that’s down in the shallows. Now — it’s KSI to the rescue!
Conor McGregor was to make his combat return against social media boxer Logan Paul in an exhibition bout. UFC’s parent TKO Group Holdings also helms Paul’s WWE. However, there seemed legit interest as TKO would bank a sizable chunk of the $250 million fight purse. It’d also be a sweet PPV spotlight where McGregor’s kickoff presser return last June alone capped off a projected $20 million in gate incomes!
Post-fight at UFC on ESPN 63 in Tampa, UFC CEO Dana White, hinted some big goodies in the bag. It could very well be “The Notorious” returning. However, Paul poured cold water over it. After having quite the first reign as the WWE US Champion, the part-time star affirmed his committment to that. Paul, who also boxed for the Misfits & DAZN: X Series 10 setup, is on a multiyear deal with WWE.
Not rumoured. I’m very down https://t.co/7YU5EIpOMu
— ksi (@KSI) January 8, 2025
So, what does the MMA/boxing/McGregor-fan trifecta punter gain out of this? KSI… on a strong maybe. The Misfits Boxing CEO fought both Paul and Tommy Fury. It’s a big fall from grace where this time last year, fans were contemplating a ‘Mystic Mac’ comeback against names like Michael Chandler, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and others. But KSI, 4-1 (1 NC), wants in on ‘red panty’ night!
Oddman English influencer KSI throws hat in ring for Conor McGregor money fight
McGregor hasn’t fought since his 2021 TKO leg break loss to Dustin Poirier. KSI is the stew that does not make things feel any better. Social media account KSI NEWS (@ksinews_) gives daily updates on the Misfits Boxing headliner. The account recently stated there are active rumors about Conor McGregor vs. KSI in the rumor mills. The influencer teased it’s not just a rumor.
KSI ‘very down’ to fight Conor McGregor (Source: X)Clout chasing? Maybe …after all this seems even less likely. Paul was still TKO material under WWE and McGregor is still under contract at UFC. But KSI, 31, seems an odd option out where no one gains. Nevertheless, McGregor did call out the influencer boxer after his loss to the younger Fury brother.
Conor McGregor violating KSI 💀 pic.twitter.com/3HLxUdzI6k
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) January 8, 2025
A Dublin Jury found ‘Money Mac’ guilty of assault on Nikita Hand in 2018. It also included damages of just upward of €248,000 in damages (£206,000 /$260,000 all-in). Afterward, major media brands dropped McGregor as its pitchman. Hence a desperate McGregor might be in again for this matchup. Is it worth it though?
The betting line from oddsmakers at BetOnline.ag find this one not so interesting at all. To spice things up and get out of the bounds, McGregor has even agreed to fight KSI bare-knuckle. The oddsmakers still don’t find it favorable. However, that might be the only way the BKFC equity part-owner gets to fight (especially someone like KSI).
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