Dana White has issued an emphatic response to rumours of a boxing match in India between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul.
McGregor has not fought in the UFC since 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in a second straight loss to Dustin Poirier. And in November, a woman who accused McGregor of raping her won her claim against the former champion, in a High Court civil case.
The Irishman, 36, denied a claim that he “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018, saying he would appeal the verdict – which awarded €248,603.60 (£206,637) in damages to the victim.
McGregor’s attention soon turned to an in-ring comeback, but not in the UFC. He tweeted in late December: “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”
Paul is a YouTuber who has boxed once professionally, losing to fellow YouTuber KSI, and who has fought in numerous exhibition bouts, including a clash with Floyd Mayweather. The American, 29, now predominantly features as a WWE Superstar.
But McGregor vs Paul is unlikely to come to fruition, according to UFC president White, who was asked about the fight on Pardon My Take.
“No, no, no, no” White said emphatically, adding that McGregor will return to the Octagon “eventually”. He clarified: “Hopefully Conor McGregor returns in the fall.”
McGregor was due to return to the UFC against Michael Chandler last June, more than a year after that fight was first announced. However, McGregor suffered a broken toe and withdrew from the bout on two weeks’ notice.
The fight was delayed indefinitely, with Chandler eventually accepting another opponent in Charles Oliveira, who beat the American via decision – having previously knocked out Chandler in 2021.
McGregor’s return could be further complicated by news on Wednesday that he is being sued by a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2023.
The woman, who was unsuccessful in getting criminal charges filed, is suing McGregor and employees of the Kaseya Center, where she alleges the assault took place during a Miami Heat basketball game.
McGregor's attorney, Barbara Llanes, told ESPN: “After a thorough investigation at the time, the State's Attorney concluded that there was no case to pursue. Almost two years and at least three lawyers later, the plaintiff has a new false story. We are confident that this case too will be dismissed.”
