Dana White Says Conor McGregor Wants to Fight Floyd Mayweather in UFC

UFC boss Dana White has told TMZ Sports that former boxer Floyd Mayweather is keen to try his hand at MMA and Conor McGregor would love to be his first opponent inside the Octagon.

"I'm interested and obviously he's interested," White said to TMZ of Mayweather's possible move to UFC. "The last time we were both interested you saw what happened."

And when quizzed on who may be the first man to face off with Money in the UFC? "Possibly Conor," he added. "I know Conor wants it."

Mayweather and McGregor went head-to-head last August in a boxing bout, with the UFC star trading codes to take on one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

Unsurprisingly, it was Money who prevailed, as he stopped the exhausted Irishman in the 10th round of the contest.

Since that meeting, there has been plenty of speculation about a potential rematch and buzz that Mayweather may be ready to change codes to fight McGregor in his preferred discipline. The FightNights.com Twitter account said earlier this year that the veteran should go for it:

The ex-boxer, who won all 50 of his professional bouts, has fuelled that speculation by telling TMZ (h/t the Guardian) that he is set to begin training with UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley soon.

"I'm gonna start soon," Mayweather said. "We’ve been texting back and forth. We talked a couple times, so we gonna start working out real soon."

John Locher/Associated Press

Per the same source, the 41-year-old also said he is a competent wrestler before admitting his kicking will need a lot of work.

McGregor remains the UFC's lightweight champion, although he hasn't fought in the promotion since winning the belt against Eddie Alvarez in November 2016.