Dana White rules out boxing match between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul, but projects a millionaire UFC return

Dana White said Conor McGregor will NOT be boxing Logan Paul or KSI and hopes he returns to the UFC in the fall 👀 pic.twitter.com/NJu2RVjLCf

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) January 15, 2025

The attempt to replicate boxing success

McGregor’s proposed fight with Logan Paul seemed to follow the strategy of 2017, when the Irishman faced Floyd Mayweather in an event that generated billions of dollars. The fight, heavily promoted by Dana White’s team, cemented McGregor as one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts and sports entertainment. However, this time the scenario is different. Dana White’s emphatic refusal to allow the fight suggests a more cautious strategy to preserve the UFC’s and McGregor’s image.

In the Mayweather fight, the UFC acted as a co-promoter, ensuring exposure and profits for all parties involved. On the other hand, the potential bout with Logan Paul doesn’t seem to carry the same sporting weight, even though it would attract fans of both personalities. White stressed that McGregor will not be allowed to fight outside the UFC while under an exclusive contract, reinforcing that the Irishman should focus on resuming his MMA trajectory.

Impressive numbers behind Conor McGregor

• McGregor was the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously: featherweight and lightweight.
• His fight against Floyd Mayweather generated over 4.3 million pay-per-view purchases, a record at the time.
• Throughout his UFC career, McGregor amassed an estimated fortune of over $200 million, in addition to additional earnings from his ventures outside the sport, such as his whiskey brand.

These figures reflect the commercial appeal of the fighter, whose influence goes beyond the octagon. Despite this, McGregor’s trajectory also includes highs and lows, with severe injuries and extracurricular controversies affecting his public image.

Logan Paul and his interest in boxing

Logan Paul, on the other hand, has been solidifying his position as a hybrid figure between entertainment and sports. Since facing KSI in a series of independently promoted boxing matches, he has drawn a new audience to the sport. His name has become associated with high-profile events, such as his exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather in 2021.

However, unlike Mayweather, McGregor brings a history more closely tied to mixed martial arts, which may have influenced Dana White’s decision to block the matchup. For Logan Paul, facing McGregor would represent a milestone in his boxing career, but the Irishman’s contractual limitations made this idea unfeasible.

What to expect from McGregor’s UFC return

Dana White made it clear that he expects McGregor to return to the UFC in 2025, potentially in a fight against Michael Chandler, another big name in the organization. Chandler and McGregor have traded barbs over the years, increasing expectations that their duel will be one of the biggest events of the season.

Moreover, McGregor is still seen as one of the UFC’s biggest commercial draws. Even after being inactive since 2021, he remains one of the most talked-about figures in the sport. For the UFC, his return would be a golden opportunity to regain viewership and generate more revenue.

McGregor’s challenges outside the octagon

Since his last fight, McGregor has faced a series of challenges that put his career on hold. The severe injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 was just the beginning. His physical recovery was accompanied by controversies, including sexual assault accusations in 2024, which led to a court conviction. These episodes tarnished the fighter’s image, who now seeks both a sporting and personal comeback.

Why Dana White rejected the boxing match

• The UFC’s exclusive contract prevents McGregor from fighting outside the organization without authorization.
• The fight against Logan Paul lacks the same sporting appeal as the bout against Mayweather.
• The UFC’s current focus is reintegrating McGregor into the octagon, where he can compete at the highest level.

Impact on the sports market

The possibility of a bout between McGregor and Logan Paul generated significant interest not only among fans but also in the betting and sponsorship markets. Such events have the potential to move billions of dollars, becoming global attractions. However, for Dana White, maintaining the integrity of the UFC and its contracts seemed to be a higher priority.

McGregor’s legacy in MMA

With a history of memorable victories, McGregor has cemented his status as one of MMA’s greatest names. Among his most notable achievements are his victories over José Aldo, in just 13 seconds, and Eddie Alvarez, which earned him his second UFC title. These feats, coupled with his charisma and promotional skills, made him one of the sport’s most popular and lucrative fighters.

Facts and figures about McGregor and Logan Paul

• Logan Paul has a history of exhibition matches, including his fight against Mayweather, which did not have an official winner.
• McGregor remains the highest-paid fighter in UFC history, despite being inactive since 2021.
• The fight against Mayweather was McGregor’s most lucrative event, generating over $600 million in total revenue.

McGregor’s return to the UFC is expected to be one of the most anticipated sporting events of 2025. In addition to reigniting his career, the fight against Michael Chandler could cement his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time. For the UFC, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm its position as the world’s leading MMA organization.