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Share on FacebookIn combat sports, big crossover fights between boxing and MMA stars always grab attention. Recently, UFC star Conor McGregor shared the exact details of a massive business deal that fell through. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, McGregor explained that he offered undefeated boxing legend Terence "Bud" Crawford a two-fight contract worth a guaranteed $200 million. The deal was backed by Saudi Arabia's top sports investor, Turki Alalshikh.
The plan for the contract was highly unusual. It required the two athletes to fight twice in different sports. First, Crawford would face McGregor in a mixed martial arts match inside the UFC octagon. A few months later, they would meet again for a traditional boxing match in a ring. McGregor believed Crawford would consider the deal because the boxer has an amateur wrestling background from his school days.
However, the deal fell apart during a direct phone call between McGregor, Crawford, and Alalshikh. When McGregor pitched the $200 million deal, Crawford turned it down immediately. According to McGregor, Crawford was not motivated by the money and had a very practical reason for saying no. The boxer simply told him: "I don't want to get kicked by you, no way."
This story came back into the spotlight after the two fighters traded messages on social media following Ilia Topuria's recent title loss. For now, the historic $200 million doubleheader will not happen. Crawford remains retired after his big boxing win against Canelo Alvarez, while McGregor is currently training to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena.
