Conor McGregor has explained why a proposed $200 million crossover fight with Terence Crawford never materialised – and said the boxing superstar had one clear reason for walking away.
The deal, which McGregor claims was worth a combined $200 million, would have pitted the UFC icon against one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats across two different disciplines.
But according to McGregor, Crawford turned down the offer almost immediately – and without much hesitation.
McGregor says Crawford rejected huge $200m crossover proposal
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, McGregor detailed how plans had once been drawn up for a two-fight series that would have seen him face Crawford in both the Octagon and the boxing ring.
McGregor said Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh helped set up direct talks between the two fighters to discuss the idea.
The deal would have seen them first meet under MMA rules before switching to a boxing bout. But Crawford, according to McGregor, did not want any part of a fight inside the cage.
“I don’t want to be kicked by you, no way,” McGregor recalled Crawford telling him.
That answer, McGregor said, brought the talks to an immediate halt.
The revelation resurfaced after a recent social media exchange between the two fighters following Ilia Topuria’s defeat to Justin Gaethje at the White House fight card.
McGregor surprised Crawford walked away
While McGregor understood the risks Crawford would have faced in an MMA fight, he admitted he was surprised the American was not more open to the challenge.
McGregor pointed to Crawford’s athleticism and wrestling ability as reasons he thought the fight would have made sense for both men.
“I know he can wrestle,” McGregor said. He walked out of a two-fight deal.”
Crawford’s fighting future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting those close to him do not expect him to compete again.
He recently attended the White House boxing event and is due to be honoured as the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Fighter of the Year on June 25.
McGregor, meanwhile, is preparing for his bout against former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway on July 11.
Whether Crawford returns to the ring remains to be seen, but if McGregor’s version of events is accurate, fans may have missed out on one of the biggest crossover events in combat sports history.
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