Since the showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor, crossover boutsbetween boxers and MMA fighters have become a thing.
Mayweather reportedly earned a whopping $280 million in that bout while his Irish counterpart earned $130 million.
The fight itself wasn’t as competitive as some anticipated, but it inspired many other MMA fighters to try their luck and snag a massive payday.
While fighting big-name boxers like Mayweather is a guarantee of a big payday, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov wasn’t so fond of the idea. Especially after hearing the number that Mayweather asked for.
For a clash with Nurmagomedov, Mayweather reportedly asked for $600 million.
In a press conference for UFC 249 back in 2020, ‘The Eagle’ gave his answer to the ludicrous offer. He also suggested that if they eventually fight, it will be in a mixed rule between boxing and MMA.
“$600 million dollars for what? Fight with me? Who gonna give him this money? Not me. I don’t think Dana gonna give him $600 million dollars. If you wanna fight, we can make fight like this okay – 11 round box and one round MMA. If you make a deal, let’s go, we can fight.”
While the special ruleset was an exciting idea, the proposed fight never materialized. Both fighters went on their separate ways.
Nurmagomedov went on to retire after beating the interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020. He also becomes a trainer and promoter for his own promotion – Eagle Fighting Championship.
While Mayweather still makes the most of his earnings in boxing exhibitions.
Recently, he was set to box his old sparring partner Don Moore on the top of Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai but the event was canceled following the passing of UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed.