Former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor is reportedly set to make his comeback in a high-profile exhibition match against American YouTuber-turned-WWE superstar Logan Paul, with both fighters expected to earn an astonishing $250 million each.
In December 2024, McGregor hinted at preliminary talks for a boxing exhibition with a well-known YouTube personality.
Recent developments suggest that the fight, sponsored by Indian billionaire Anant Ambani, is nearing its final stages and could be officially announced in the coming days.
MMA journalist Emmett Glenn shared on X over the weekend that McGregor and Logan Paul are scheduled to face off in Mumbai, India, in 2025.
The high-stakes match is set to take place at Wankhede Stadium and will be part of a campaign aimed at promoting Indian tourism.
The announcement has gained widespread attention, with McGregor retweeting the news along with an Indian flag and heart emoji.
Paul also posted his support on Instagram, fuelling excitement among fans worldwide.
The jaw-dropping $500 million purse for the exhibition fight has sparked debate among combat sports enthusiasts.
While some fans have praised the potential for a lucrative showdown, others have criticized the fight as a "gimmick" that detracts from McGregor's UFC career.
"More than most world championship fights? This is insane!" one fan commented.
Another added, "Each fighter gets $250 million for an exhibition? Crazy!" However, there were also numerous fans who expressed disappointment, with one writing, "I'm tired of these gimmick fights. McGregor doesn't have the guts to return to the UFC," and another stating, "So much money for a boring fight."
McGregor has not competed professionally since July 2021, when he suffered a broken ankle during a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
The 22-6 fighter is a former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, known for being the first UFC competitor to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously.
Nicknamed "The King of Pay-Per-View," McGregor has headlined five of the UFC's highest-grossing events.
In 2021, Forbes named him the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning $180 million.
McGregor's highly publicised boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 catapulted his fame to new heights.
Despite losing the match, McGregor reportedly earned $100 million, further solidifying his status as a global sports icon.
Former WWE United States Champion Logan Paul, who gained fame through his social media presence, has ventured into professional boxing in recent years.
In 2019, he lost a six-round bout to British YouTuber KSI but later earned a victory over Dillon Danis in October 2023.
His most notable fight came in 2021, when he faced Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition bout at Hard Rock Stadium.
Paul lasted eight rounds against Mayweather and reportedly earned $20 million for the contest.
