McGregor delaying UFC return for Logan Paul boxing exhibition

Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC seems set to be delayed by a boxing exhibition against WWE star Logan Paul in India.

McGregor has not fought in the UFC since July 2021, but he was rumoured to be taking on featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in early 2025.

However, the Irishman has taken to X to dispel the claims of a bout against Topuria, sharing his plans to make a boxing return instead.

“The rumours of a bout with [Topuria] are false,” McGregor posted on Tuesday.

“I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India.

“I have agreed.

“I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”

McGregor and Paul have a history, with the Irishman saying last year that he would “slap the nose” off the social media influencer ahead of his fight against Dillon Danis.

“I’d like to see him attempt to slap the nose off my face,” Paul said in response.

“Conor McGregor is an average MMA fighter and a horrible boxer.

“I’m going to beat the shit out of his bitch Dillon, and then I’m going to beat the shit out of him.”

Paul is yet to respond to McGregor’s announcement; however, his younger brother Jake Paul weighed in, raising concerns about the UFC blocking the fight.

“Now it all makes sense why Conor McGregor and his management team have been desperately trying to get MVP to negotiate for a fight between us,” he wrote.

“As we told them privately and I’m now saying it publicly, the only way we’re willing to explore me vs Conor in a pro boxing/MMA fight is if Dana White/UFC are at the table directly or make it clear they are OK with discussions.

“Conor is washed. Needs the Pauls.”

Sports news