Former UFC champion claims Floyd Mayweather exhibition fight is still on
Since retirement, Floyd Mayweather has been known to set up exhibition bouts with big names from various backgrounds. His rumored bout with a UFC star could still be on the cards after the possible opponent has spoken out.
Despite being considered one of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves and compete in the boxing ring, 'Money' has come under criticism as of late. Some fans believe he is making a mockery of the sport and potentially damaging his legacy by accepting fights against influencers and internet celebrities.
During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, former UFC champion Jose Aldo insisted that his previously proposed bout with Floyd Mayweather is still happening, despite being tied up in a near-future fight.
"I forget all that [Mayweather talk] for a bit because my next step is the Jeremy match, so I can't think of anything else. After my performance on Saturday, not only the Mayweather one, we'll get new offers for us [in boxing]," stated Aldo. "My next challenge is on Saturday and I want to put on a great performance because that's how we'll continue to fight great athletes in America."
After making a successful transition to boxing by earning a decision win over Emmanuel Zambrano, Jose Aldo secured a bout that is expected to give the MMA legend a huge payday.
Fighting for Jorge Masvidal's 'Gamebred Boxing', the Brazilian will welcome fellow UFC vet Jeremy Stephens into the ring. The two met once before in the octagon, which ended when the former featherweight king scored a stoppage victory with strikes.
Which MMA fighters has Floyd Mayweather fought?
With rumors persisting that Jose Aldo will be next to step inside the squared circle and compete against one of the greatest the sport has ever seen, we take a look back at other MMA fighters who have shared the ring with the legend.
The most notable name to have fought Floyd Mayweather is, of course, Conor McGregor. Back in 2017, the boxing icon picked up his 50th win after enduring an early onslaught from the former two-division UFC champion. The now-46-year-old ended the fight with a stoppage in the 10th.
Throughout his six exhibition bouts thus far, the boxer has welcomed Tenshin Nasukawa, Mikuru Asakura, and Aaron Chalmers, all of whom have spent time competing in mixed martial arts.