By Edward Chaykovsky

According to UFC President Dana White, he was approached by rapper/former boxing promoter Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson - who advised White that retired former five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was very serious about fighting UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor.

Last week, McGregor created a firestorm of press when he obtained a license to box in the state of California.

McGregor has been pushing for months to get a showdown with Mayweather - and the Irish superstar is ready to accept the fight under traditional boxing rules.

50 Cent, who is close friends with Mayweather, recently approached White in New York City. White discussed the ir chance meeting during his appearance on Fox Sports Live.

“I was at dinner in New York for [UFC] 205, and we bumped into each other at dinner,” White said.

“So we were hanging out, we were talking for awhile, and then I went over and sat back at my table and I ate. And then when we were leaving, he said to me, ‘When’s your boy gonna fight Floyd?’ And I said, ‘My boy? Who are you talking about, Conor?’ And he said, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘Floyd don’t want to fight Conor.’ And he goes, ‘He does, Dana. He’s dead serious about it.’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, man. Call Floyd and see what’s going on.'”

As already stated, McGregor will not be able to take part in a boxing match with Mayweather or anyone else - unless the UFC is involved. They have McGregor under an exclusive contract.

In past interviews this year, Mayweather has entertained the idea of a fight with McGregor. But recently he's backed away from that position, stating that he doesn't have any interest in the fight because he doubts the UFC would ever allow McGregor to face him. A few months ago the UFC was purchased by investors for $4.2 billion, and McGregor is their biggest star.

Mayweather retired from boxing last September and claims that he doesn't have any intention to fight again.