UFC superstar Conor McGregor appears to have turned his back on a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather - by posting on social media that the retired five division world champion has pulled out of claimed rematch negotiations for a potential mixed martial arts encounter.
McGregor, 29 years old, made his boxing debut last August and suffered a tenth round TKO at the hands of Mayweather at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
But after reports emerged revealing that Mayweather, 40, had not interest in taking part in an MMA fight, McGregor responded with an Instagram post, sarcastically wishing Mayweather well in retirement.
MMA reporter Mike Bohn had tweeted: “Just saw Floyd Mayweather as I was walking backstage [at the NBA All Star Game] and asked him if he’s serious about a rematch with [McGregor] in MMA: “I already fought Conor, and we’re at a basketball game, not an MMA match.”
And McGregor’s Instagram response read: “I am happy for Floyd and his recent announcement that he is out of these current fight negotiations.
“It is the reason I never seeked the rematch in the first place. I was happy for him in retirement.
“My game is a very unforgiving one. It is not like other games. I understand completely him staying retired. I will now carry on in my negotiations and see where it goes.
“Have a great retirement Junior. Now come here and give your old man a hug for old times sake. I’m proud of you son. Yours truly, Senior.”
In recent weeks, Mayweather released a series of videos on social media showing him stepping into an octagon and sparking rumours of a UFC clash with the Dubliner
McGregor gave his take, saying: “If it is (hype), it will follow him for the rest of his days that he did not do it. I said that I’d do it and I stepped up and I done it. It’s his turn now.”
UFC fans have been calling for McGregor to defend the lightweight belt he won against Eddie Alvarez in November 2016.
