There is no telling when (and if) UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to the cage. He continues to enjoy retirement even if most feel that it is only temporary. However, a $100 million bounty could change his mind although it comes with risks.
According to Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, they were offered $100 million to face Mayweather in a boxing match. He added that UFC President Dana White knows about it and “on board” with it, TMZ reported.
"Listen, we got offered $100 million to fight Floyd Mayweather. Dana White was on board, everybody was on board. But, you know, Khabib is an MMA fighter. If Floyd wanted to come to fight [in MMA], get his little ass whooped, no problem," Nurmagomedov’s manager said.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Return Rumors: ‘Eagle’ Offered $100 Million To Box Floyd Mayweather https://t.co/TuM4ekXY71#SportsNews #SportsRumors — Sports Bytes (@sportsph) January 6, 2021
While the offer is tempting, Abdelaziz cautions that it would be pretty risky on the part of the Russian. For one, Nurmagomedov has not boxing experience and most know how Mayweather would easily have his way with “The Eagle” in such a match.
Abdelaziz adds that the offer is nothing new. It was the same proposition given to them even before Nurmagomedov fought (and won) over Justin Gaethje.
"Always, like every month people call me and they ask me, 'You going to fight with Floyd Mayweather if we pay you $100 million.' It's like crazy. I want to be focused on Justin Gaethje, please. Every month, some people from Saudi Arabia, from Emirates, from a lot of countries, like always try to make contract with me," Abdelaziz said in a report from Yahoo Sports.
The offer could be in preparation for Mayweather’s plans to engage in future exhibition fights. Likely taking the cue from Mike Tyson and his successful ring return against Roy Jones Jr., “Money” knows he can earn big by taking on opponents in the ring.
Aside from that, Mayweather may have gotten the idea from the Paul brothers who have been making money out of outrageous challenges. The 43-year-old is a clear example and will be facing Logan Paul in an exhibition fight in February.
These plans were backed no less by Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel. He sees big profit from staging these exhibition fights and knows Mayweather would be a big draw.
"I can't speak for Floyd's future but I can tell you we are looking to work together beyond this fight. So, there may be future fights beyond this one, but it's too early to tell for sure. We have a lot to bring to the table and the sport of boxing. But, at the end of the day his future will be determined by him," Engel said.
