Conor McGregor has reignited speculation about a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, suggesting that a second boxing match between the two superstars could take place in 2027 under the newly launched Zuffa Boxing promotional banner. While no formal agreement has been reached, McGregor's comments have once again captured the attention of combat sports fans worldwide.
The Irish mixed martial arts icon spoke to TMZ Sports ahead of his long-awaited return to the UFC at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026. During the interview, he acknowledged that conversations with Mayweather have continued over the years and that he remains open to stepping into the boxing ring with "Money" Mayweather once more. However, the timeline for any potential boxing match has become complicated following McGregor's disastrous return to the Octagon.
McGregor had not fought in over five years when he faced Max Holloway in a welterweight bout at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The fight lasted a mere 69 seconds. McGregor opened with a jumping switch kick, landed awkwardly on his right leg, and immediately appeared to suffer a knee injury. Referee Mike Beltran stepped in to halt the contest at 1:09 of the first round, awarding Holloway a TKO victory due to injury. McGregor's night ended in disappointment and concern.
In the immediate aftermath, UFC President Dana White revealed that doctors suspected McGregor might have suffered an ACL tear. McGregor himself later confirmed that he would undergo surgery, complete rehabilitation, and then return to fulfill the final fight of his current UFC contract. He did not provide a definitive diagnosis publicly, but the injury has cast doubt over his immediate fighting future.
McGregor's coach John Kavanagh stated that the knee had shown no issues during training camp and that the injury came completely without warning. This sudden setback has raised questions about whether McGregor can ever return to his prime form. The 38-year-old (turning 38 in 2026) has not won a UFC fight since January 2020, when he defeated Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds. Since then, he has lost twice to Dustin Poirier, suffered a broken leg in the second bout, and now this latest knee injury.
Despite these setbacks, the allure of a Mayweather rematch remains strong. The original fight between Mayweather and McGregor took place on August 26, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It was a spectacle that transcended combat sports, drawing massive mainstream attention. Mayweather, then 40 years old, stopped McGregor in the tenth round, handing the Irishman his first professional boxing loss. The event generated a live gate of $55.4 million from 13,094 paid tickets, making it one of the highest-grossing boxing gates in Las Vegas history. Pay-per-view buys exceeded 4.3 million in North America alone.
Since that night, McGregor has occasionally teased a rematch, and Mayweather has also expressed openness to another lucrative exhibition or professional bout. However, Mayweather will be 50 years old in 2027, while McGregor will be 38. The age gap, combined with McGregor's recent knee surgery and the fact that he still owes a fight to the UFC, makes the proposed 2027 date highly speculative.
If the rematch were to proceed, Zuffa Boxing would be the logical promotional vehicle. Zuffa Boxing is Dana White's boxing promotion, launched in January 2026. The company operates under a UFC-style promotional model, with regular events, internal rankings, and a focus on matchmaking that appeals to the MMA audience. White has signed several high-profile boxers and has plans to expand the schedule. However, neither Mayweather nor McGregor has been officially announced as a Zuffa Boxing signee or headliner.
McGregor's obligations to the UFC add another layer of complexity. He has one fight left on his current contract with the promotion. Any boxing match would require a co-promotion agreement or a special release, similar to the arrangement that allowed the first Mayweather fight in 2017. Back then, the UFC agreed to let McGregor box under the Showtime PPV banner in exchange for a significant financial cut. A similar deal could be struck with Zuffa Boxing, which is a separate entity but shares ownership ties with the UFC through Endeavor.
The financial stakes for a rematch would be enormous. The original fight earned McGregor an estimated $100 million and Mayweather over $200 million. Even with diminished star power or an aging roster, a second fight would likely still generate tens of millions of dollars. Both fighters have a proven ability to draw casual fans, and the narrative of the rematch — Can McGregor avenge his only boxing loss? Can Mayweather, at 50, still perform? — would sell itself.
Critics, however, point out that the first fight was never competitive. Mayweather dominated after the early rounds, and McGregor faded badly. The Irishman has not boxed professionally since 2017 and would be coming off a major knee surgery. Mayweather, meanwhile, has fought only exhibition bouts against Logan Paul, Tenshin Nasukawa, and others, which did not tax him physically. A 50-year-old Mayweather would still be a severe test for a 38-year-old McGregor who has not boxed in a decade.
There is also the issue of weight class. The first fight was contested at a catchweight of 154 pounds. Any rematch would likely require similar terms, but McGregor has struggled to make weight consistently in recent years. His best UFC performances came at 145 and 155 pounds. Moving back up to 154 might be feasible, but his knee may not tolerate the extra bulk.
Despite the obstacles, the mere suggestion of a Mayweather-McGregor rematch generates headlines. Both men are masters of promotion, and they understand the value of keeping their names in the news. McGregor's mention of 2027 as a target date gives ample time for his recovery, the completion of his UFC contract, and the negotiation of a boxing deal. It also allows Zuffa Boxing to build its brand further before hosting a mega-event.
July 16, 2026, marked the date of the original article on this topic, and since then, no concrete developments have emerged. The fight remains a rumor, but it is a rumor with deep roots. The legacy of the first encounter, the involvement of Zuffa Boxing, and McGregor's never-ending quest for greatness ensure that this story will continue to evolve.
For now, McGregor's priority is surgery and rehabilitation. He has promised to return to the UFC for one last fight before exploring other options. Whether that fight will be against Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, or someone else remains to be seen. But the door to a second dance with Mayweather is still slightly ajar.
Source: mmanytt.be News