McGregor v Mayweather: UFC champion not in Las Vegas to meet former boxer for super fight

Tuesday evening saw a sudden flurry of revitalised hope that a deal for a Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor mega-fight was nearly done. Not the case.

The spike happened as news filtered through that mixed martial artist McGregor had all of sudden pulled out of an anti-bullying talk to immediately fly to Las Vegas, Nevada where former boxer Mayweather is a resident.

This, understandably, got both MMA and boxing fans extremely excited. However, after many reports filled our news feeds, it became obvious that McGregor was in Sin City for another reason; the matter of his $75,000 fine.

The UFC lightweight champion was there to ask the Nevada Athletic Commission for a re-hearing in his disciplinary case relating to the fine he received after competing in the first ever UFC press conference bottle-throwing match in August 2016 ahead of his second fight with Nate Diaz.

We understand McGregor’s request will go to a vote, which will take place at the NAC’s next meeting on 22 March, with commission executive director Bob Bennett and chairman Anthony Marnell recommending the request be granted.

Both Mayweather and McGregor were quick to squash rumours they are set to fight via Instagram. A post from the former said:

“Although there has been several rumours circulating thru media suggesting that I will have an upcoming fight, I’d like to set that record straight and state that there has been no deals made on my behalf in regards to a bout with any fighter at this time. I am happily retired and enjoying my life! Rest assured that if any changes come about, I will be the first to let the world know!"

McGregor simply said:

“I am in Las Vegas. Floyd has retired on my arrival.”