Why The Conor McGregor Vs Logan Paul Fight Was Blocked By The UFC

Conor McGregor wanted to make a splash in India this year with a boxing match against Logan Paul, but the UFC shut it down. The former UFC champ called the proposed Conor McGregor vs Logan Paul fight a “glorified sparring match,” something he thought was low-risk and high-reward. Despite McGregor’s excitement, the UFC wasn’t on board, leaving the idea dead in the water.

McGregor first teased the fight back in December, but things never gained momentum. Logan Paul, a WWE star and social media personality, has since decided to stick with wrestling, making the bout even less likely to happen.

UFC’s Hard No

In an interview with MMA personality “The Schmo,” McGregor expressed his frustration, saying the UFC wasn’t interested. “The UFC just aren’t into it,” he said. “The offer was there, in writing. Both athletes will say, ‘He’s not fighting,’ but both [the UFC and WWE] fall under the same TKO Group Holdings banner. It would’ve been smart business.”

McGregor explained that the fight made sense on paper, especially in India, where the sports market is rapidly growing. He also pointed out that TKO Group Holdings, which owns both UFC and WWE, is doing incredibly well financially. “The stock price is through the roof,” McGregor added, suggesting the fight could have helped both brands grow even more.

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Why the Timing Was Perfect

With McGregor still waiting to return to the Octagon, he felt this fight would’ve filled the gap in his calendar. “It made perfect sense on the calendar,” he said. “We’re just in this waiting period before I can get back to the Octagon.” McGregor has been sidelined since breaking his leg in 2021 and later breaking a toe, which postponed his comeback even further.

Logan Paul, meanwhile, has shifted his focus to professional wrestling. While he’s no stranger to boxing—having fought Floyd Mayweather in 2021—Paul seems to be prioritizing his WWE career for now.

Source: Conor McGregor says UFC nixed boxing match with Logan Paul

The Allure of Influencer Boxing

McGregor isn’t new to boxing either. In 2017, he famously fought Floyd Mayweather in a massive event that drew huge pay-per-view numbers. Back then, the UFC allowed him to participate, but this time around, the organization wasn’t as supportive.

What’s caught McGregor’s attention lately is the growing trend of influencer boxing. “I’m more inclined now for this influencer… whatever you call it, because it’s astronomical money,” McGregor admitted. He name-dropped Logan Paul, Jake Paul, and KSI as potential opponents, praising their ability to generate massive revenue. “I like the three of these guys and all the others who are tussling around,” he said, showing interest in exploring this lucrative trend.

Why the Conor McGregor vs Logan Paul Fight Was Blocked by the UFC

McGregor’s Rocky Road Back

It hasn’t been an easy few years for McGregor. His last fight was in July 2021, when he suffered a brutal leg break in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier. A planned comeback fight in 2023 against Michael Chandler was canceled after McGregor broke a toe. Injuries aside, McGregor’s also faced legal troubles. In November 2023, he was found liable in a sexual assault case and ordered to pay around $257,000 to the complainant.

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Despite all this, McGregor insists he’ll return to MMA. However, the allure of big-money boxing matches, especially against influencers, remains strong. “It’s astronomical, the figures,” he said, emphasizing why these kinds of fights are so appealing to him.

What’s Next for McGregor?

While the UFC has blocked this fight, McGregor isn’t giving up on the idea. Whether it’s Logan Paul, Jake Paul, or KSI, he’s clearly interested in exploring influencer boxing while waiting for his next UFC fight. For now, though, fans will have to wait and see if McGregor’s vision of massive crossover events becomes a reality.

As McGregor put it, “It is what it is.” The UFC may have shut down his plans this time, but his ambitions—and his desire to cash in on the influencer boxing trend—are far from over.