Retired five-weight boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather has offered UFC Lightweight Champion Conor Mcgregor a sensational $15 million (£12.5 million) to face him in the ring. Although Mayweather retired unbeaten in 2015, he recently told ESPN that a cross combat bout with Conor McGregor, who now possesses a boxing licence, was the only fight that could tempt him back into the ring.

A dream fight

"I'm a businessman and it makes perfect business sense to fight Conor McGregor," said the unbeaten 39 year old boxer. Mayweather continued, stating: "We are willing to give him [McGregor] $15 million up front, then we can discuss splitting the pay per view money.

It's a dream fight the people want to see".

Mayweather, who retired with a 49-0 record after defeating Andre Berto in 2015, stated that preliminary talks between his agents and McGregor's representatives had taken place. In the interview, Mayweather declared: " We tried to make the fight happen. They are aware of what my number is. My number is a guaranteed $100 million".

Conor McGregor, 28, previously said that he wants $100 million (£80 million) to fight Floyd Mayweather. McGregor, who was recently granted a boxing licence by California State Athletic Comission, posted an image of himself towering over Mayweather's body after the interview was published.

A bargaining chip

However, McGregor is under contract with the UFC and a potential fight against Floyd Mayweather would have to have Dana White and the UFC's blessing.

Despite Mayweather's posturing, many have interpreted the notorious Irishman's procurement of a boxing licence as a bargaining chip when it comes to UFC contract negotiations.

McGregor and Dana White, the president of UFC, have regularly butted heads publicly over McGregor's contract situation. Recently, Conor McGregor claimed that he was the sole reason that UFC was being sold for $4 billion.

It is clear that McGregor's star value has begun to transcend the confines of MMA. A couple of months ago, McGregor announced that he will be appearing in the final two seasons of HBO's hit TV series Game of Thrones. Regardless of whether the fight between McGregor and Mayweather occurs, it is clear that Dana White will have a fight on his hands to keep his biggest asset in the UFC.
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