Once the pride of Irish MMA and the sport’s most magnetic showman seems to be losing some of his sparkle. While he still commands a loyal fan base, many are growing tired of his brash persona and headline grabbing antics that sometimes alienate more than they attract.
The latest blow to McGregor’s star came when talks of a crossover boxing match against YouTuber-turned-WWE wrestler Logan Paul fell apart. The fight, which was expected to be an exhibition in India, never got past the contract stage. McGregor revealed in a recent interview with The Schmo podcast that the UFC “just aren’t into it,” effectively killing the bout.
Though McGregor hasn’t fought in the octagon since his second loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021, he remains under contract with the UFC for two more fights. That contract gives the promotion final say over what McGregor can do in combat sports outside the UFC a major reason why the Logan Paul match was shut down despite its business potential.
It’s no secret that influencer boxing, led by stars like KSI and Jake Paul, has exploded in popularity recently. These crossover events draw massive audiences and serious money, pulling in even former legends like Mike Tyson and top-tier athletes looking for lucrative opportunities outside their traditional sports.
McGregor’s proposed fight with Logan Paul made perfect sense on paper both fighters are managed under the TKO Group banner, with McGregor still signed to UFC and Paul now a WWE performer. The bout could have kept McGregor active and in the spotlight while he waits for his next UFC fight, rumored to be sometime by the end of 2025.
The former UFC superstar was originally set to return on June 29, 2024, against Michael Chandler, but that fight was scrapped after McGregor suffered a broken toe and was never rescheduled. With that disappointment behind him, the boxing match with Logan Paul seemed like a natural interim project.
Despite swirling rumors that McGregor might face Jake Paul instead, he was clear in the interview that “it was always Logan.” The shared TKO management made negotiations simpler and more logical, though the UFC ultimately held veto power.
McGregor also admitted he’s now “more inclined” towards influencer boxing matches because the money is “astronomical.” But with the UFC blocking the Logan Paul fight and the Irishman’s appeal showing signs of wear, it’s unclear how long McGregor can keep leveraging his celebrity status in the crowded combat sports landscape.
Once hailed as the “Notorious” Irishman who revolutionized MMA, Conor’s charm is facing growing scrutiny. As new stars emerge and the influencer boxing wave swells, McGregor’s future may depend on more than just bravado and past glories.
