Morning Report: Brendan Schaub weighs in on absurd rumor of Conor McGregor being paid $250M to field Logan Paul

Conor McGregor’s newest moneymaking matchup sounds too good to be true.

The UFC star has publicly touted {that a} boxing match between he and WWE Celebrity Logan Paul is allegedly within the works, with India’s rich Ambani household supposedly footing the invoice. Neither Paul nor the Ambanis have corroborated this declare, however that hasn’t stopped media and followers from speculating over the likelihood.

The Mac Life, the MMA information web site based by McGregor, not too long ago claimed that McGregor’s struggle with Paul will happen in Mumbai and that “The Infamous” might earn a $250 million payday. Former UFC heavyweight contender Brendan Schaub weighed in on the rumor on a current episode of his podcast.

“It’s type of just like the Saudi cash, how they’re paying Tyson [Fury] and all these guys, like, $250 million is wild,” Schaub mentioned. “$250 million is greater than Tyson and [Oleksandr] Usyk mixed. Simply Conor will make greater than Usyk and Fury mixed and that’s boxing on the highest stage. They usually have a YouTuber and a man who’s going beneath some allegations making extra—simply certainly one of them is making greater than the best boxers on the planet.”

Usyk not too long ago fought Fury in a pair of high-profile boxing bouts promoted by Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season group, with each bouts happening at Kingdom Area in Riyadh. The Center East nation has develop into a hotbed for boxing. One other marquee Riyadh Season occasion is already scheduled for Feb. 22, when Artur Beterbiev rematches Dmitry Bivol on a stacked card that additionally consists of Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker, Vergil Ortiz Jr vs. Israil Madrimov, Shakur Stevenson (c) vs. Floyd Schofield, and Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel.

One issue complicating the McGregor vs. Paul struggle is that McGregor remains to be beneath contract with the UFC. Nonetheless, with the TKO model now encompassing each UFC and WWE, it might theoretically make it simpler for McGregor and Paul to barter.

It could be the second time McGregor has booked a boxing match whereas nonetheless a part of the UFC roster. In August 2017, McGregor took on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a struggle that proved to be profitable for all events concerned, together with UFC. Schaub believes McGregor has to pursue these outdoors alternatives to succeed in his true incomes potential.

“Even when he was the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, there’s not a UFC fighter on this planet, within the historical past of that group that may make $250 million in a single night time,” Schaub mentioned. “It’ll by no means, ever occur. So even when none of this darkness was occurring, let’s say he was 30-0, triple champ, quadruple champ, even when he was that, he nonetheless wouldn’t make $250 million [in the UFC].”

Ought to McGregor carry out poorly towards Paul, Schaub is skeptical {that a} UFC return is within the playing cards. McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg towards Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

And if McGregor isn’t at his greatest, he might undergo the worst defeat of his profession.

“Right here’s the factor, let’s say if Conor goes in there and let’s say he will get embarrassed,” Schaub mentioned. “Flatlined, second spherical, overhand proper. Logan Paul, manner greater dude, quick, highly effective, manner youthful, not so many miles on his physique, flatlines Conor McGregor. It might occur. Flatlines him. Does UFC convey Conor again after that? I don’t assume so.”

“My solely concern, too, is that if Conor doesn’t take this severe, like type of moseys in, he’s partying, you understand, I feel he might get f*cked up,” Schaub later added. “I feel if he’s not on it, he might get f*cked up. That’s what’s fascinating to me. Now, if it’s prime Conor, just like the one which beat Diego Brandao or beat Eddie Alvarez or that beat Nate Diaz, exhibits up for that, Logan would possibly get pieced up. Ought to. However I don’t know if that model is likely to be gone.”

McGregor not too long ago made headlines for the incorrect causes after being discovered accountable for sexual assault stemming from a 2018 incident in Dublin. He was ordered to pay over $250,000 to his accuser Nikita Hand and several sponsors have severed ties with McGregor following the decision.

TOP STORIES

Rankings. Looking back at the movers and shakers of 2024 and what’s to return for the elite fighters in 2025.

Subsequent. MMA Combating’s Guilherme Cruz provides you the top-10 Brazilian prospects to maintain your eye on.

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Love. For the primary time in his life, deaf MMA veteran Matt Hamill is able to hear.

Fighter. Rickson Gracie talks about his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Freakshow. Head kicks and Fight Circus, it doesn’t get higher than the newest version of Missed Fists.

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VIDEO STEW

On to the Subsequent One 2025 predictions extravaganza.

Invicta FC greatest finishes of 2024.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

African kings.

Superior!

Title in 2025?

“Irish” Tony Ferguson.

Chama-page Jackson.

Again quickly?

I see it.

By no means miss a prelim.

I don’t assume this will likely be authorized in Cory’s subsequent struggle.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Preston Parsons (11-5) vs. Jacobe Smith (9-0); UFC Vegas 101, Jan. 11

Nurullo Aliev (9-0) vs. Joe Solecki (13-5); UFC Vegas 101, Jan. 11

FINAL THOUGHTS

Hope everybody had an incredible vacation (and loved RIZIN Decade!), now it’s again to the same old nonsense with the UFC returning to the glamorous confines of the UFC APEX this Saturday. Will you be watching?

EXIT POLL

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